CP orders probe into alleged shooting of female University student by Policemen

CP orders probe into alleged shooting of female University student by Policemen

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Ifeanyi Emenari, has ordered a full investigation into the shooting of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a 200-level Business Management student at the Federal University Wukari.

Ahenjir was injured in the early hours of Friday in the Wurukum area of Makurdi after police officers, during a stop-and-search operation, allegedly opened fire on the commercial vehicle she was traveling in. The identities of the officers involved remain unknown.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with civil society groups and rights activists demanding swift justice.

Several organisations have issued ultimatums, threatening state-wide protests if the matter is not addressed by Tuesday.

In a statement over the weekend, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that the Commissioner had ordered a full investigation to determine the facts and ensure accountability.

Part of the statement read: “On May 16, 2025 at about 4am a radio message was received from a Police team deployed at Duku park, Wurukum that the team flagged down a vehicle coming from Benue Links 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 the Benue State University Teaching Hospital from a gunshot. Upon arrival at the hospital, the detectives were briefed about the deceased and the corpse was 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 stated that they had gone for club activities and were on their way back when they drove on the opposite lane and passed the checkpoint without stopping but did not shoot.

“They were shot by the police but they drove to Welfare Quarters area 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.

“The Commissioner of Police, Dr. Emenari Ifeanyi, 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.”