Benue Police Investigate Alleged Police Shooting That Killed University Student
Benue Police Investigate Alleged Police Shooting That Killed University Student
The Benue State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the tragic death of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a student of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, who succumbed to a gunshot wound after a reported police encounter in Makurdi.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 16, when a suspicious vehicle was flagged down by officers stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum.
According to the statement:
“A police team stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum, signalled a suspicious vehicle coming from the Benue Links area to stop. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly reversed, drove against traffic, and opened fire on the officers. The police returned fire, but the vehicle fled the scene.”
Following the exchange, authorities traced the vehicle and discovered that a female passenger, later identified as Emmanuella Ahenjir, had been rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital with a gunshot wound. She was later confirmed dead and her body has been deposited for autopsy.
Mr. Apase Keghter, one of the occupants of the vehicle, was found at the hospital and provided his version of events. He said they had attended an event at Newcastle Event Centre and were returning when they encountered the checkpoint.
He denied any shots were fired from their side:
Keghter stated that “they passed through the checkpoint without stopping and alleged that it was the officers who opened fire, which led to Ahenjir’s injury.”
He also explained that their vehicle developed a flat tyre, prompting them to use a commercial vehicle to transport the victim to the hospital.
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Additionally, he reported that the vehicle, his belongings and the other occupants were missing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifenyi, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and assured the public—and the family of the deceased—of transparency and justice.
“The command is committed to ensuring a thorough probe of the incident and will take appropriate actions based on the findings,” the statement added.
