Makurdi, Benue State — A wave of anger and grief has engulfed Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following the tragic killing of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a 23-year-old final-year student of the Federal University, Wukari, who was allegedly shot dead by police officers in the early hours of Friday.
The incident occurred at the Wurukum roundabout, a major intersection in the city, while Emmanuella was riding in a vehicle returning from the Gyado Villa area. Eyewitnesses claim that the police opened fire on the vehicle under unclear circumstances, striking Emmanuella fatally.
The killing has sparked immediate outrage across the city, especially among the youth. On Monday morning, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in a demonstration led by renowned gender rights activist, Ukan Kurugh. The protesters, mostly young men and women, converged at the Wurukum roundabout — the very scene of the fatal shooting — holding placards bearing strong messages like “End Police Brutality,” “Justice for Emmanuella,” and “Our Lives Matter.”
“We cannot continue to live in fear of those meant to protect us,” Kurugh declared during the protest. “This is one killing too many. Emmanuella had dreams, she had a future — and it was stolen from her by the very people who should ensure her safety.”
The demonstration caused a temporary disruption of traffic and commercial activities in the area, as chants of anger filled the air. Protesters also marched towards the state police headquarters, demanding the immediate identification and prosecution of the officers involved.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement as of press time, fueling further public frustration. However, sources within the force revealed that an internal probe may have been initiated into the matter.
Civil society groups, student unions, and women’s rights organizations have also joined calls for justice, describing the incident as part of a disturbing trend of police violence in the country.
As tension remains high in Makurdi, the bereaved family of Emmanuella has called for calm while urging the government to ensure that those responsible for her death are brought to book.
“This is not just about Emmanuella,” said one protester. “This is about every young Nigerian who deserves to live without fear of being gunned down for no reason.”
The protest is expected to continue in the coming days until authorities take visible action. Calls for a public inquiry and the suspension of the officers involved are growing louder by the hour.