Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifenyi, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a student of the Federal University Wukari, who allegedly died from a gunshot wound inflicted by police officers at Wurukum, Makurdi.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Catherine Anene, the police team at Duku Park, Wurukum, flagged down a vehicle coming from Benue Links area around 4 am. The driver allegedly turned back, drove through the opposite lane, and shot sporadically at the police team, prompting them to respond with a shot. The driver then drove away, and the police were on their trail.
The police discovered that a lady named Emmanuella Ahenjir had died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital from a gunshot wound around 10 am. Upon arrival at the hospital, detectives were briefed about the deceased’s corpse, which had been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
One Apase Keghter, an occupant of the vehicle, was found at the hospital and invited for questioning. He stated that they had attended a club event and were on their way back when they drove past the police checkpoint without stopping. According to him, the police shot at them, and they drove to Welfare Quarters before calling a commercial vehicle to take them to the hospital.
Investigation and Community’s Reaction
CP Ifenyi has assured the family and friends of the deceased of his commitment to unraveling the truth and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
The incident has generated tension in Makurdi, with residents expressing concerns about the security situation in the city.
Some residents have threatened to stage a peaceful protest next week if the killer police officers are not identified and brought to justice.
A human rights advocate, Ukan Kurughin, has also spoken out, warning that if the police continue to ignore their demands for justice, they may resort to other approaches.
The police spokesperson has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and the command is working to identify the officers involved in the shooting.
According to her, the exhibit car and other occupants of the vehicle are currently being tracked.
