The Benue State Police Command has acknowledged that a final-year student of Kwararafa University in Wukari, Taraba State.
Ahenjir Emmanuella, was killed by a stray bullet allegedly discharged by one of its officers during a routine stop-and-search exercise in Makurdi.
The fatal shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Friday at the Wurukum roundabout in the state capital. Emmanuella, who was said to be travelling in a commercial vehicle alongside other passengers, was struck when a police officer reportedly opened fire during the operation.
Public anger quickly mounted following the incident, as family members and friends of the deceased accused the police of reckless conduct.
The police command responded by assuring the public that an in-depth investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the shooting.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, a close friend of the victim, Igbor Iorbo, revealed that Emmanuella was en route back to her university when the tragedy occurred. Iorbo identified officers from the “E” Division as those involved and demanded justice.
“All we want is accountability,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to keep losing innocent lives at the hands of those meant to protect them.”
Initially, the police provided no official comment, fueling further outrage. However, later that evening, the command’s spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, issued a statement outlining the police’s version of events.
According to Anene, officers were dispatched around 4 a.m. to respond to a distress call at Duku Park.
During the operation, they attempted to stop a vehicle, which the driver allegedly refused, instead turning around and driving against traffic while reportedly firing at the officers.
Police returned fire during the chase, Anene said. By 10 a.m., the command received word that a young woman had died from a gunshot wound at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Upon arrival at the hospital, officers identified the deceased as Emmanuella and arranged for an autopsy.
Another person in the vehicle, Apase Keghter, was found at the hospital and has been invited for questioning to aid the ongoing investigation.