THE BENUE State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Emmanuella Ahenjir, a student of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, who was reportedly shot and later died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 16.
According to the report, a police team stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum, signalled a suspicious vehicle coming from the Benue Links area to stop. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly reversed, drove against traffic, and opened fire on the officers. The police returned fire, but the vehicle fled the scene.
Authorities later traced the vehicle and discovered that a young woman, identified as Emmanuella Ahenjir, had been admitted to the hospital with a fatal gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead, and her body has been deposited in the morgue for an autopsy.
One of the vehicle’s occupants, Mr. Apase Keghter, was found at the hospital and questioned. He claimed that they had attended an event at Newcastle Event Centre and were returning when they passed through the checkpoint without stopping.
He denied that anyone in the car fired at the police, alleging instead that officers shot at them, resulting in Ahenjir’s injury.
Keghter further stated that after their car developed a flat tyre, they used a commercial vehicle to rush the victim to the hospital.
He also reported that the car and his personal belongings, along with other occupants, were missing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifenyi, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, assuring the public and the deceased’s family of the command’s dedication to justice and transparency.
