A final-year student was fatally shot by a stray bullet during a police stop-and-search operation in Makurdi, prompting outrage and calls for justice.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Ahenjir Emmanuella, a final-year student of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State, by a stray bullet during a police stop-and-search operation in Makurdi.
The incident occurred around 11am on Friday near Wurukum roundabout. Emmanuella, who was returning to school, was reportedly hit when an officer opened fire on a commercial vehicle.
A friend of the victim, Igbor Iorbo, said, “We are not asking for much, only justice. The officers responsible must be identified and handed over for investigation.”
In a statement, police spokesperson Catherine Anene said the team had earlier received a distress call and flagged down a vehicle which fled, allegedly shooting at the officers.
“The police responded with a shot while the vehicle escaped,” she stated.
The police said an occupant, Apase Keghter, was invited for questioning, and Emmanuella’s body was deposited for autopsy at Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
READ MORE AT SAHARA REPORTERS.