Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has opened up about the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of his sister, Atsi Kefas, revealing she was fatally shot by a police escort assigned to her vehicle.
Speaking publicly for the first time on the incident during a town hall event commemorating his two-year anniversary in office, the governor disclosed that early findings from a police investigation indicate one of the armed escorts accidentally discharged the shots that led to her death.
“Let me state this, for you to understand my commitment to you, that even in personal tragedy, such as the loss of my sister, Atsi Kefas, I remain strong because the call to serve you outweighs the pain,” Governor Kefas said, urging attendees to join him in a moment of silence for her and other victims of recent communal unrest in Karim Lamido.
While earlier reports in December 2023 claimed that Atsi had been killed by bandits along the Wukari-Kente Road, the governor’s remarks suggest a different account. “However, in the case of my sister Atsi, preliminary police report revealed that she died as a result of severe gunshot injuries sustained from shots by one of the police escorts in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the circumstances so that justice will prevail.”
The governor acknowledged the emotional weight of the loss but reiterated his resolve to continue delivering progress in Taraba. “You can see that this work is not for applause, it is for legacy, future and for you all. Please, let us in a positive spirit move Taraba forward.”
Highlighting his administration’s focus, he added, “This is your time, this is your Taraba, let us rise together, believe again, let us move Taraba forward. I’m building the Taraba where governance is measured not by sentiment but by results. We are shifting from promises to result, every programme must deliver real value to our people.”
Governor Kefas used the solemn occasion to underline his government’s commitment to transparency, discipline, and results, insisting that his vision for the state goes beyond rhetoric to impactful governance.
