A public protest has swept across Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following the killing of 23-year-old Emmanuella Ahenjir, a final-year student of the Federal University, Wukari, by unidentified police personnel.
The incident, which occurred at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi on Friday morning, has sparked large-scale protests as demonstrators demand justice and accountability.
Hundreds of protesters, primarily youths and students, flooded the streets of Makurdi in a peaceful demonstration.
The protest, which began at the Wurukum roundabout — the scene of the incident — saw demonstrators holding placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for Emmanuella,” “End Police Brutality,” “Our Lives Matter,” and “Stop Killing Our Girls.”
Gender rights activist and social advocate, Ukan Kurugh, led the protest, calling on the government to take swift and decisive action.
Speaking to the press, Kurugh said, “We are here because a young woman with dreams and a future was cut down unjustly. Emmanuella could have been any of our sisters, daughters, or friends. Her life mattered. This should never have happened.”
He further demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and called for the immediate suspension and prosecution of any officers found responsible.
The protesters also marched to the Benue State Police Command headquarters, where they submitted a petition demanding justice. Security personnel at the command received the petition and assured protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
According to eyewitness reports, Emmanuella was shot dead by police officers while she was riding in a vehicle traveling from the Gyado Villa area.
The police reportedly opened fire on the vehicle under unclear circumstances, leading to her tragic death.
The officers involved allegedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving bystanders and fellow passengers in shock.
The incident has since ignited widespread condemnation and renewed calls to end police brutality in Nigeria.
