Police explain why final year student was shot dead in Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a young woman involved in a shooting incident in Makurdi.

CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, stated in a release that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025.

According to her, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a radio message was received from a patrol team stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum, reporting a suspicious encounter.

She stated, “On 16/5/2025 at about 4:00 a.m., a radio message was received from a police team deployed at Duku Park, Wurukum, that the team flagged down a vehicle coming from the Benue Links area. The driver, however, turned back, drove through the opposite lane, and fired shots at them. The police responded with gunfire, but the driver managed to escape.

“The police pursued the vehicle until around 10:00 a.m. when it was reported that Emmanuella Ahenjir, a student of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, had succumbed to gunshot wounds at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

“Upon reaching the hospital, detectives were briefed on the deceased, and her body was deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

“One Apase Keghter, who was also in the vehicle, was located at the hospital and has been invited for questioning.

“Mr. Apase explained that they had attended a club event at Newcastle Event Centre and were returning when they drove past the checkpoint on the opposite lane without stopping, although they did not open fire.

“They were fired upon by the police, after which they proceeded with the victim to Welfare Quarters. They halted upon realizing a flat tire and called a commercial vehicle to transport them to the hospital.

“His belongings, the vehicle used, and other occupants are currently unaccounted for.

“CP Emenari Ifeanyi has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He assures the deceased’s family and friends of his commitment to uncovering the truth and upholding justice.”