Atsi Kefas, sister to Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, was reportedly shot by a police escort during an attack by gunmen on Thursday.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the incident occurred on Kente Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The governor’s mother, Jumai Kefas, and Atsi were traveling together when their vehicle was ambushed by armed assailants.
The publication revealed that a police officer assigned to escort the family accidentally shot Atsi while attempting to fend off the attackers.
“The officer, in the heat of the moment, accidentally discharged his firearm, injuring Atsi,” the report stated.
Security operatives, including troops, responded promptly, rescuing Jumai and Atsi from the scene. An air ambulance was deployed to evacuate them for medical treatment.
Atsi was rushed to the hospital, but her condition remains undisclosed as of the time of this report.
The security team recovered the vehicle used by the assailants, an empty magazine, and the passengers’ luggage, according to sources.
In a related development, speaking with journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, on Friday morning, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Usman, confirmed the attack.
Usman said it is unknown whether the Governor’s mother and sister were among the victims, adding that investigations into the incident were ongoing to ensure that the perpetrators of the robbery are brought to justice.