By Ted Ebute
The brutal killing of Professor David Salifu, former Secretary to the Government of Benue State (SSG) and a distinguished academic of the Federal University, Wukari, has once again exposed the tragic reality of insecurity in Nigeria.
Beyond the pain of losing an accomplished scholar and public servant, his death raises disturbing questions about the value our society places on human life and the responsibilities of those entrusted with leadership.
Professor Salifu was reportedly returning to Benue State when he was attacked by armed men suspected to be kidnappers along the Wukari–Makurdi highway.
Though he survived the initial attack and was rushed for medical treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Thus ended the life of a man whose contributions to education, public administration and the development of Benue State earned him respect across political and ethnic divides.
Every death is tragic.
But when a former Secretary to the Government of a state, a professor, and one of the most accomplished sons of the Idoma nation is murdered by criminals, it demands more than mere expressions of sympathy.
It requires visible leadership, institutional response, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
This constitutional provision is not a ceremonial declaration; it is the very foundation upon which governmental legitimacy rests.
Every violent death that occurs because criminal elements operate with impunity represents a painful reminder of how far Nigeria still is from fulfilling this constitutional obligation.
To be fair, the Benue State Government issued an official condolence message through the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, describing Professor Salifu as a man of integrity and an exemplary public servant.
Such a statement was appropriate and necessary.
However, many citizens, particularly among the Idoma people, have argued that the official response did not adequately reflect the enormity of the loss or the urgency of addressing the insecurity that claimed his life.
Leadership is measured not only by policies but also by empathy.
At moments of collective grief, citizens expect their leaders to stand visibly with the bereaved, reassure the public that justice will be pursued, and demonstrate that every life matters regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
The silence—or perceived silence—of the Ochi’Idoma and the Idoma Area Traditional Council has also generated concern among many members of the Idoma community.
Traditional institutions remain powerful symbols of identity, continuity and collective conscience. They may not command security agencies, but they possess enormous moral authority.
Whenever distinguished sons and daughters of the land are lost under tragic circumstances, their voices should offer comfort, inspire unity and call for justice.
History teaches us that societies progress when their institutions refuse to normalize violence.
The murders of Chief Alfred Rewane, Kudirat Abiola, Dele Giwa, and Bagauda Kaltho became defining moments because individuals and institutions insisted that silence was unacceptable.
While the circumstances surrounding those deaths differed, one lesson remains constant: democracy is weakened whenever society becomes indifferent to violence.
Nigeria has also undertaken international obligations. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
Similarly, Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which has been domesticated into Nigerian law through the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, guarantees the inviolability of human life.
These are not abstract ideals. They are commitments that should shape public policy and government action.
The killing of Professor Salifu should therefore not be reduced to another statistic in Nigeria’s growing catalogue of victims of insecurity.
It should provoke serious reflection on the deteriorating security situation across Benue State and the nation at large.
Farmers are afraid to cultivate their lands.
Travellers no longer feel safe on major highways.
Communities continue to bury loved ones while waiting for justice that seldom comes.
This tragedy should also encourage introspection within the Idoma nation.
The strength of any people lies in the unity with which they defend their collective interests and honour those who have served them with distinction.
Professor David Salifu’s life represented scholarship, public service and integrity.
Such a legacy deserves not only respectful remembrance but also a determined insistence that those responsible for his death are identified and prosecuted.
Ultimately, this conversation is larger than one individual, one ethnic group or one administration.
It is about the kind of society we are becoming.
A society where the violent death of accomplished citizens quickly fades from public discourse is one that risks normalising lawlessness.
Democracy cannot flourish where insecurity reigns unchecked, and constitutional promises become mere words on paper.
Professor David Salifu dedicated his life to knowledge, public service and the advancement of Benue State.
His death should awaken our conscience rather than deepen our silence.
The greatest tribute we can pay him is not merely to mourn him but to demand safer highways, more effective security, accountable leadership and justice for every victim of violent crime.
May Professor David Salifu rest in perfect peace, and may his death strengthen our resolve to build a Nigeria where every life is valued, every citizen is protected, and no family is left to grieve in silence.
My deepest condolences to his immediate family, the Federal University Wukari and the Idoma nation.
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