Sad Moment for Agba Kefas

The death of Atsi Kefas, the younger sister of Taraba State Governor Agba Kefas, has sent shockwaves through the state and beyond. According to reports, she was shot during an attack in Wukari Local Government Area while travelling with her mother. Tragically, Atsi later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital in Abuja.

The attack occurred on Kente Road, where gunmen ambushed the convoy. In the confusion, a police officer mistakenly shot Atsi while trying to protect them. Although she was initially rushed to a local hospital, the severity of her wounds led to her transfer to Abuja for advanced care.

News of her death has drawn mixed reactions. While most Nigerians express sorrow over her passing, others have shifted the blame to the governor. They point to his inability to curb the escalating insecurity in his state, where bandits operate with alarming freedom.

In North-west Nigeria, an estimated 30,000 bandits roam freely, with their groups ranging in size from small bands of 10 to large gangs exceeding 1,000 fighters. This level of insecurity has deeply affected communities and state leadership alike. For many, Atsi’s death is the painful result of this environment.

Governor Kefas, like many other leaders in Nigeria’s troubled north, is expected to do more to ensure the safety of his people. But, like many others, he faces immense challenges in securing Taraba from the increasing influence of bandits and criminal groups.

A number of voices have emerged, urging the governor to focus on improving the state’s security rather than engaging in foreign investments or unrelated political pursuits. The tragedy has intensified the pressure on him to tackle the root causes of insecurity, particularly in areas like Wukari and Takum.

Asti’s passing is a harsh reminder of the fragile nature of life in the north; even those closely connected to political power are vulnerable to the ongoing violence. It remains to be seen how Governor Kefas and the state will respond to the calls for stronger action to protect their citizens.