A final-year student of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State, Ahenjir Emmanuella, has been tragically killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The incident occurred around 11 am on Friday, near the Wurukum Roundabout, sending shockwaves through the academic and local communities.
According to eyewitness reports, the student was in a commercial vehicle with friends, en route back to school, when the vehicle was flagged down by police officers on routine duty.
One of the officers allegedly opened fire, fatally striking Emmanuella.
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Her friend, Igbor Iorbo, recounted that the group had been returning from a night out at Newcastle Event Centre.
She accused police officers from “E” Division in Makurdi, of unjustly firing at the vehicle.
“We are not asking for much, only justice,” Iorbo said. “The officers responsible must be identified and held accountable. Lives must not continue to be lost at the hands of those sworn to protect us.”
In response to the growing public outcry, the Benue State Police Command confirmed Emmanuella’s death and announced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
In a statement released Friday night, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene provided the command’s version of events.
She stated that the police had earlier received a distress call around 4 am and subsequently deployed a team to the Duku Park area.
When officers attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle, the driver allegedly refused to comply, made a U-turn, and drove off on the wrong lane.
Anene said that police officers fired a single shot in response and later discovered that Emmanuella had died from a gunshot wound after being taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
The police spokesperson added that another occupant of the vehicle, identified as Apase Keghter, had been invited for questioning.
Keghter reportedly confirmed that they did not stop at the checkpoint but denied any shots were fired from their side.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has vowed a thorough and transparent investigation, assuring the public that justice will be served.
“We are committed to unraveling the truth and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
