Gunmen Attack Taraba Governor’s Mother and Sister, Injuring One in Wukari
Gunmen, believed to be bandits, launched a violent attack on Jumai Kefas, the mother of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, and her daughter, Atsi Kefas, on Thursday, December 5.
The incident took place along the Kente Road in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking concerns about escalating insecurity in the region.
According to reports, Atsi Kefas sustained a gunshot wound during the assault. The chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Dauda Samaila Agbu, confirmed the attack and expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate event. He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” while providing updates on Atsi’s condition.
“Atsi Kefas received immediate medical attention at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Wukari, where her condition was stabilized,” he explained. “She was later airlifted to Abuja for advanced treatment to ensure she receives the best care possible.”
Although the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, the chairman reassured residents that security agencies are actively working to apprehend the assailants. He also urged the public to remain calm, promising that steps are being taken to address the situation and restore peace in the area.
The Taraba State Police Command corroborated the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi. He disclosed that the attack is currently being treated as an armed robbery, though the police have not officially confirmed whether the victims were directly targeted due to their relationship with Governor Agbu Kefas.
“One individual in the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries,” Abdullahi said, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to uncover the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.
The lack of an official statement from the Taraba State government as of the time of this report has left many questions unanswered, particularly concerning the nature of the attack and the security measures in place to protect high-profile individuals and their families in the state.
The attack on the governor’s family has highlighted the growing insecurity in Taraba State and other parts of Nigeria, where banditry, kidnappings, and armed robberies have become increasingly frequent. Residents have expressed fear and frustration over the inability of security agencies to effectively curb the activities of criminal elements in the region.
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture. Many have called on the government to strengthen its efforts to tackle insecurity by deploying more personnel, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring swift responses to threats.
In recent months, Wukari Local Government Area, like many other parts of Taraba State, has witnessed a surge in violent crimes. The once peaceful community has been plagued by a wave of attacks, leaving residents fearful and uncertain about their safety.
As investigations into the incident continue, stakeholders have urged the state and federal governments to prioritize the protection of lives and property in Taraba and other vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, security experts are emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between communities and law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and prevent future attacks.
The people of Taraba State are now left waiting for justice and reassurances that such an incident will not happen again. Until then, the attack on Governor Agbu Kefas’s family remains a sobering reminder of the pressing need to address Nigeria’s pervasive security challenges.
