Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State has clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of his sister, Atsi Kefas, which had earlier been reported as an attack by bandits on the Wukari-Chinkai Road in 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Jalingo, the state capital, Governor Kefas revealed that investigations indicate his sister was actually shot and killed by a police escort assigned to his mother, not by bandits as previously thought.
Atsi was traveling with their mother from Jalingo to Abuja when the incident happened.
“Life is very precious to me. You can’t just end someone’s life and think God will be happy with you. My younger sister was shot and killed by a police escort who was inside the same bus with her,” the governor said.
He added that the policeman involved is still under investigation to ensure justice is served.
The governor also noted that pellets from the firearm were found in Atsi’s body during surgery, confirming she died from injuries caused by the shooting. This new information challenges earlier reports that suggested the vehicle was attacked by bandits trying to kidnap the passengers.
Governor Kefas also used the opportunity to speak about the recent violent attack in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, where more than 50 people were reportedly killed. He observed a moment of silence for both his sister and the victims of the attack.
Condemning the increasing violence in the state, the governor urged residents to choose peace and unity instead of conflict. He also announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the Karim-Lamido crisis and recommend ways to bring lasting peace to the region.
