Police authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following the tragic death of a young university student who was reportedly struck by a stray bullet during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi.
The victim, identified as Ahenjir Emmanuella, was a final-year student at Kwararafa University in Wukari, Taraba State. The incident occurred on Friday, May 17, around 11 a.m., near the Wurukum roundabout in the state capital, while police were carrying out a routine operation.
Eyewitnesses say Emmanuella was traveling in a commercial vehicle along with friends when the police flagged them down. However, the vehicle did not stop, and one of the officers allegedly opened fire. Emmanuella was reportedly hit by the bullet and later died from her injuries at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Speaking to journalists, Igbor Iorbo, a close friend of the deceased, explained that they were returning to school after attending an event in Makurdi. “We are not asking for much, only justice. The officers responsible must be identified and handed over to the state command for immediate and transparent investigation,” she said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, SP Catherine Anene, released a statement Friday evening, shedding more light on the police account of the incident. According to her, a distress call was received around 4 a.m., prompting officers to be dispatched to Duku Park in the Wurukum area.
Anene stated that the police team flagged down a vehicle, but instead of stopping, the driver allegedly turned around and drove through the wrong lane. She noted that shots were fired during the attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle.
“Information was received later that a lady named Emmanuella Ahenjir had died from a gunshot wound,” the statement noted. Anene confirmed that police detectives visited the hospital, where the deceased’s body was taken for autopsy.
One of the vehicle’s passengers, Apase Keghter, was seen at the hospital and was brought in for questioning. He told police that they had visited Newcastle Event Centre for a party and were on their way back when the incident happened. He insisted that no one in their vehicle fired at the police.
SP Anene said the Commissioner of Police in Benue, Emenari Ifeanyi, has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the tragic shooting. He also assured the public, especially the family of the deceased, that the case would be handled with transparency and fairness.
