The Benue State Police Command confirmed the death of Ahenjir Emmanuella, a final-year student of Kwararafa University, Wukari. A police officer reportedly shot her during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi.
The incident occurred around 11 am on Friday near Wurukum roundabout in the Benue State capital. Emmanuella was traveling with friends when the shooting happened. Witnesses said she boarded a commercial vehicle, which police later targeted.
According to multiple sources, officers from the Benue State Command stopped vehicles during a routine patrol. One officer allegedly opened fire on a car carrying Emmanuella. A bullet struck her, and she died shortly after at Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Emmanuella’s friend, Igbor Iorbo, told reporters they were returning to school in Taraba State. She explained that they had gone out the previous night and were heading back when police fired at their vehicle. Iorbo described her friend as innocent and demanded justice. “We want only one thing—justice,” she said. “The officers responsible must be identified and investigated.”
She criticized the police for staying silent. “They haven’t offered any answers. Lives shouldn’t be lost because of reckless actions from those sworn to protect us,” Iorbo added.
In a statement issued Friday night, police spokesperson Catherine Anene shared a different account. She said police received a distress call around 4 am and deployed a team to Duku Park. Officers later stopped a vehicle from the Benue Links axis, but the driver ignored the stop signal and drove through the opposite lane.
Anene stated that the occupants of the vehicle shot at officers, prompting them to fire back. The police pursued the car and learned hours later that Emmanuella had died at the hospital from a gunshot wound.
Officers visited the hospital and spoke to Apase Keghter, another passenger in the vehicle. Keghter told detectives they had left Newcastle Event Centre and were heading home. He admitted they bypassed the checkpoint but denied firing any shots. He insisted the police fired at their vehicle without provocation.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi ordered a full investigation into the shooting. He assured Emmanuella’s family and friends that the police would uncover the facts and ensure justice.
This incident adds to growing concerns about police brutality in Nigeria. Many citizens continue to call for reform, accountability, and improved conduct from security forces. Emmanuella’s death has reignited demands for justice and transparency in law enforcement operations.
