University Student Reportedly Killed by Police During Stop-and-Search Operation

A young Nigerian woman identified as Ella, a 400-level student of Kwararafa University, has reportedly died after being shot by officers of the Nigeria Police Force during a stop-and-search operation in Benue State.

According to preliminary reports, the tragic incident occurred at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi. Officers from the E Division allegedly opened fire on a vehicle, resulting in the fatal shooting of the student.

In a press release issued by the Benue State Police Command on May 16, 2025, the police confirmed they had launched an investigation into the death of Emmanuella Ahenjir.

“BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND”

PRESS RELEASE

16TH MAY 2025.

POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF EMMANUELLA AHENJIR

On 16/5/2025 at about 4am a radio message was received from a police team deployed at Duku park, Wurukum that the team flaged down a vehicle coming from Benuelinks area but the driver turned back, drove through the opposite lane shooting sporadically at them but they responded with a shot and the driver drove away.

The police were on the trail of the vehicle until about 10am this morning when information was received that a lady named Emmanuella Ahenjir, student of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba state had died at Benue State University Teaching Hospital from a gunshot.

Upon arrival at the hospital,

the detectives were briefed about the deceased and corpses deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy. One Apase Keghter who was also an occupant of the vehicle was seen at the hospital and invited for questioning.

Mr. Apase statated that they had gone for club activities at Newcastle Event Centre and were on their way back when they drove on the opposite lane and passed the check point without stoping but did not shoot. They were shot by the police but they drove to Welfare quarters with the victim. They stopped when they noticed a flat tyre and called a commercial vehicle that took them to the hospital. His belongings, the exhibit car and other occupants of the said vehicle are nowhere to be found at the moment.

CP. Emenari Ifeanyi PhD., psc., mnips has ordered a detailed investigation into the case . He assures friends and family of the deceased of his commitment to unravel the truth and ensure that the rule of law prevails.

CSP. ANENE SEWUESE CATHERINE

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER ,BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND