By Prosper Mene
In a shocking disclosure, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas revealed that his sister, Atsi Kefas, was killed by a police escort assigned to their mother, not by bandits as initially reported. The incident, which occurred in December 2024, raised questions about the conduct of security personnel, and intensified scrutiny on the handling of firearms by law enforcement in Nigeria.
Governor Kefas made the clarification during a press briefing in Jalingo on May 30, 2025, correcting earlier reports that attributed the attack to bandits, a persistent threat in Nigeria’s northern regions. According to the governor, the tragedy took place during a chaotic encounter involving unidentified gunmen who targeted the family. In the ensuing commotion, a police officer assigned to protect the governor’s mother discharged his firearm, inadvertently striking Atsi Kefas. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries.
“The loss of my sister is a painful wound for our family,” Governor Kefas said, his voice heavy with grief. “It was not bandits as initially thought, but a tragic mistake by a security operative. We are cooperating with authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, and I appeal for calm as we seek justice.”
The Taraba State Police Command has remained tight-lipped, stating only that an internal investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances of the shooting. Sources within the police, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the officer involved has been detained pending the outcome of the probe. The incident has reawakened long-standing concerns about the training, discipline, and oversight of security operatives in Nigeria, where accidental discharges have claimed numerous lives in recent years.
The Taraba incident shows the pervasive nature of insecurity, with banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes plaguing multiple regions. According to a 2024 World Food Programme report, 33.1 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, worsened by violence that prevents farmers from accessing their lands.
The death of Atsi Kefas has also fueled discussions about the safety of public officials and their families, who often rely on armed escorts for protection. Analysts argue that this incident calls for the need for stricter protocols on the use of firearms by security personnel, as well as comprehensive reforms to address Nigeria’s security challenges. “This is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Chidi Okoye, a security analyst based in Abuja. “We cannot continue to lose lives to preventable errors. The government must prioritize training and accountability for those entrusted with protecting citizens.”
Governor Kefas, a retired military officer, has vowed to pursue justice for his sister while urging residents of Taraba to remain peaceful. He also called for unity in addressing the state’s security challenges, which include recurring clashes between farmers and herders, as well as banditry in rural areas.
The governor is determined to bring justice and unity to Taraba State, tackling its security issues.
