Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State has clarified the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of his sister, Atsi Kefas, who was widely believed to have been killed by bandits along the Wukari-Chinkai Road in 2024.
Speaking to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, the governor made a startling revelation: a police escort, not kidnappers, was responsible for her death.
“My younger sister was shot and killed by a police escort who was inside the same bus with her,” the governor stated solemnly.
Previously, public belief in Taraba had pointed to an attempted kidnap of members of the governor’s family during a trip from Jalingo to Abuja.
However, recent investigations tell a different story.
Governor Kefas explained that findings from an official investigation uncovered that his sister was shot at close range by one of the police escorts attached to his mother.
“Investigation revealed that my sister Atsi was shot at a close range. The policeman is still under investigation so that justice should prevail,” he said.
He further disclosed that pellets of gunfire were found lodged in her body during a medical operation, confirming suspicions of a firearm-related death.
During the press briefing, the governor also used the moment to call for unity and reflection.
He led a minute of silence in memory of his sister and over 50 people recently killed in an attack on Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
“Life is very precious to me. You can’t just end someone’s life and think God will be happy with you,” he said passionately.
Condemning the senseless loss of lives in the state, Governor Kefas emphasized the importance of peace and coexistence.
He expressed deep regret that communities who should be working together for development have instead resorted to conflict and violence.
To address the persistent unrest in areas like Karim-Lamido, the governor announced plans to set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the root causes of the crisis and recommend pathways to sustainable peace.
“A commission of enquiry would soon be set up to look into the causes of Karim-Lamido crisis to bring lasting peace to the affected area,” he added.
As at the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement in response to the governor’s claims.
