The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of Ahenjir Emmanuella, a final-year student of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Friday near the Wurukum roundabout in the Benue State capital.
Emmanuella was reportedly in a commercial vehicle with other passengers when police officers from the state command, conducting a routine operation, suddenly opened fire, resulting in her death.
Following public outrage and accusations from family and friends, the command announced that a thorough investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances that led to the shooting.
One of the deceased’s friends, Igbor Iorbo, told reporters that Emmanuella was on her way back to school when she was killed.
Iorbo, who identified the officers involved as members of the “E” Division, called for immediate justice and transparency in the investigation.
“We are only asking for justice,” she said. “Those responsible must be held accountable. We can’t continue to lose lives to those who are supposed to protect us.”
Initially, the police remained silent on the matter, prompting further criticism from the public.
However, later on Friday night, the command’s spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, released a statement clarifying the police version of events.
According to Anene, at about 4 a.m. that day, the police responded to a distress call and deployed officers to Duku Park, Wurukum.
During the operation, officers attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle, but the driver allegedly fled, driving against traffic and firing shots at the police. Officers reportedly returned fire.
By around 10 a.m., authorities received information that a young woman, later identified as Emmanuella, had died from a gunshot wound at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Detectives arrived at the hospital, where they confirmed the death and arranged for an autopsy.
Another occupant of the vehicle, identified as Apase Keghter, was also present at the hospital and has been invited by police for questioning.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.