The Benue State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation after the tragic shooting death of 21-year-old Emmanuella Ahenjir, a final-year student at Federal University, Wukari. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2025, following a vehicle pursuit and exchange of gunfire with police in Makurdi.
According to Police Public Relations Officer CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, “On 16/5/2025 at about 4:00 a.m., a patrol team flagged down a vehicle at Duku Park, Wurukum, but the driver accelerated into the opposite lane, firing shots at officers.
The police returned fire, and the vehicle fled the scene.” The vehicle was later traced to Welfare Quarters, where Ahenjir and another occupant, Apase Keghter, were taken after a tyre puncture. Ahenjir succumbed to her injuries at Benue State University Teaching Hospital around 10:00 a.m.CSP Sewuese Catherine statement.
Investigators have impounded the vehicle and seized the driver’s belongings. Keghter, now in custody, insists police opened fire first. Benue State Commissioner of Police CP Emenari Ifeanyi has ordered a detailed forensic inquiry. “We are committed to unraveling the truth and ensuring that the rule of law prevails,” he affirmed.
Civil-society groups are urging transparency and expedited autopsy results to determine the precise sequence of events. The incident has reignited calls for enhanced police training on crowd engagement and the use of non-lethal force during traffic stops.
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