Peter Onminyi: Controversy as Operation Zenda Squad allegedly kills Benue man

The family of Peter Onminyi, allegedly killed by the Operation Zenda Squad of the Benue State Police Command, is demanding justice, including the release of his body for burial according to Idoma customs.

Peter, 23, was reportedly killed on May 19, 2024, at his family’s home in the Welfare Quarters area of Makurdi. His father, Joseph Onminyi, a retired health worker, recounted that police officers stormed their residence, shot Peter while he was eating, and then took his body along with various household items, including appliances and motorcycles.

The police subsequently sealed the family home, forcing the family to live in an uncompleted building since then.

“No reason was given by the police for their actions,” Pa Onminyi told reporters tearfully, describing the raid. “They jumped through the fence, started shooting, and shot my son while he was eating. After killing him, they took away his body and all our belongings.”

Pa Onminyi has since filed a human rights violation case against the police, but he claimed the case has faced delays, with police representatives failing to appear in court.

The family also reported recognizing their seized belongings at the Operation Zenda office but stated that police have yet to disclose the location of Peter’s body.

The Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, responded by stating that the incident involved a suspect linked to kidnapping and armed robbery.

“The police went for an arrest, and in the process, one of the boys exchanged gunfire with the officers, leading to his death,” Anene explained, though she did not confirm the deceased’s name.

Pa Onminyi has called on human rights organizations, civil society groups, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for urgent intervention, appealing for justice for his son and the restoration of his family’s home.