Policeman kills final-year student in Benue, friends demand justice

A final-year student of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State, Ahenjir Emmanuella, was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 11 a.m. on Friday at the Wurukum Roundabout area.

According to eyewitnesses, officers from the Benue State Police Command were conducting routine checks when one of them allegedly opened fire on a commercial vehicle transporting passengers, including Emmanuella.

Sources revealed that Emmanuella was on her way back to school in Taraba State when the unfortunate event happened.

Speaking with reporters, a friend of the deceased, Igbor Iorbo, expressed deep grief and called for justice.

“In the early hours of Friday, officers from the ‘E’ Division shot and killed my friend without cause,” she said.

“We are not asking for much—just justice. The officers involved must be identified and investigated transparently by the command.”

She further condemned the silence from the police regarding the incident.

“Lives should not be lost at the hands of those meant to protect us. This must stop. As we speak, the police have refused to comment on the matter.”

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.

The Star