Tragedy in Makurdi: FUW Student Killed in Police Shooting Incident

MAKURDI, BENUE STATE – Tension is palpable in Makurdi following the fatal shooting of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a 23-year-old student of the Federal University, Wukari (FUW), Taraba State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Wurukum Roundabout.

According to a statement released by the Benue State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, a police patrol team stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum, reported encountering a suspicious vehicle at approximately 4:00 a.m. The statement detailed that the vehicle, coming from the Benue Links area, was flagged down for a routine check. However, the driver allegedly reversed, drove against traffic, and began shooting sporadically at the officers.

The police responded with a shot, but the driver sped away. The police pursued the vehicle, and at around 10:00 a.m., they received information that Miss Ahenjir had died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital due to a gunshot wound.

Detectives who arrived at the hospital were informed about the deceased, and her body has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.

One of the occupants of the vehicle, identified as Apase Keghter, was found at the hospital and is currently being questioned. Mr. Keghter stated that they were returning from a night at the Newcastle Event Centre and, in a bid to evade the police checkpoint, drove against traffic but did not shoot at the officers. He claimed that the police shot at their vehicle, and they continued driving to Welfare Quarters where they stopped due to a flat tire. From there, they reportedly hired a commercial vehicle to take the injured student to the hospital.

However, Mr. Keghter’s belongings, the vehicle involved, and the whereabouts of other occupants remain unknown, raising further questions about the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the tragic event. He has assured the family and friends of the deceased, as well as the public, of the Command’s commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice prevails in this case.

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The death of Miss Ahenjir, a young student with a promising future, has sparked outrage in Makurdi. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other groups are reportedly threatening mass protests if the police officers responsible for the shooting are not identified and brought to justice swiftly.

This incident adds to the growing concerns about police conduct and the use of force in Nigeria. The Benue State Police Command is now under immense pressure to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the untimely death of the Federal University Wukari student.

The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by the community and the nation at large.