Tragedy struck in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State after some suspected robbers shot dead a retired police officer, Joseph Tsafa, his wife, Cecelia, and two others.

It was learnt that one other victim was in a critical condition and receiving treatment in a hospital in the state. Punch learnt that the retired policeman, who had become a pastor, had attended a religious conference with his wife in Jaki, Kwande LGA, Benue State, on Friday.

They were on their way to Taraba State on Saturday when they reportedly met a roadblock mounted by the robbers.


A member of the publicity team of the conference, Ben Dzwa, said Joseph and his wife were with three others, when they were attacked in their car.

He said, “He left the event venue on Friday with his wife, Cecilia, who was the woman leader of NKST Nachi-Bali Consistory Women Fellowship, and Atese Anum (another pastor’s wife) for Zaki Biam, where they spent the night.

“On Saturday, the couple set out for the Bali LGA of Taraba State where they were based. In Katsina-Ala, they assisted two women who were heading towards their direction, making their number five in the vehicle.

“At about 9am on Saturday, they passed Gidan Gawa, along Katsina-Ala-Takum Road in Taraba State. There is a portion of the road that is bad and vehicles must slow down to avoid accident; so, they also slowed down. It was on the road that some armed young men came out of the bush and ordered them to stop and they obeyed. The robbers demanded money from Joseph. Nobody knows what really happened that led to shooting. They just shot him and his wife, who was in the front seat.”

Dzwa said the corpses of the couple had been deposited in Zaki Biam.

The Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, confirmed the incident, adding that a total of four people died in the incident.

He said, “The incident happened around 8am on Saturday. It was an armed robbery attack. While they were on the road, some armed robbers blocked the road and also fired at the vehicle. As a result, two died instantly, including a retired police officer. His wife also died. Two others died later, while the fifth occupant of the car is in a critical condition and receiving treatment at a hospital.”

Punch