In her village of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, Emmanuella Ahenjir, a 23-year-old final-year student at Federal University Wukari, has been put to rest. She was allegedly shot and murdered by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation in Makurdi.
Ahenjir was killed on May 16, 2025, in Makurdi, close to the Wurukum junction, after police officers allegedly opened fire on the car she was riding in.
The officers allegedly fired at the vehicle when the driver did not instantly obey their stop signal, according to the witnesses.
Emmanuella was shot, and she eventually passed away at a local hospital from her wounds.
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Makurdi saw nonviolent protests after her death incited indignation throughout the state and abroad.
In an effort to bring an end to police brutality and seek justice for the deceased student, civil society organizations and concerned citizens marched through the streets.
As protesters called on authorities to bring the implicated officers accountable, placards with slogans like “End Police Brutality Now” and “Justice for Emmanuella” were spotted during the demonstrations.
Since then, the Benue State Police Command has begun looking into the event and announced that anyone found to be at fault will be held accountable.
