400-Level Student Fatally Shot During Police Stop-And-Search In Benue

• Ella, a 400-level student at Kwararafa University, was shot and killed during a police stop-and-search operation in Benue State.
• The incident occurred at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi.
• Officers from the E Division reportedly opened fire on a vehicle, resulting in Ella’s fatal injury.

A Nigerian lady named Ella, a 400-level student at Kwararafa University, has reportedly lost her life after being shot during a police stop-and-search operation in Benue State.

According to available reports, the incident took place at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi. Officers attached to the E Division allegedly opened fire on a vehicle, fatally wounding the young student.

Ukan Kurugh, who is familiar with the situation, described the incident as an “unacceptable loss of innocent life,” demanding that justice be served.

The Benue State Police Command released an official press statement on May 16, 2025, confirming the incident and stating that an investigation is underway.

PRESS RELEASE

BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND

16TH MAY 2025

POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF EMMANUELLA AHENJIR

On May 16th, 2025, around 4:00 a.m., a radio message was received from a police unit stationed at Duku Park, Wurukum. The team had attempted to stop a vehicle coming from the Benuelinks area. However, the driver reportedly turned around, drove against traffic, and allegedly fired shots at the officers. The police team responded with gunfire, and the vehicle drove off.

The pursuit continued until about 10:00 a.m., when information emerged that a female named Emmanuella Ahenjir, a student of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, had died at Benue State University Teaching Hospital due to a gunshot wound.

Detectives who arrived at the hospital were briefed and confirmed that the body had been placed in the morgue for autopsy. One Apase Keghter, also a passenger in the car, was found at the hospital and taken in for questioning.

Mr. Apase explained that they had gone to Newcastle Event Centre for a club outing and were returning when they drove on the wrong side of the road and bypassed the police checkpoint, but denied that any shots were fired from their side. He said the police opened fire, after which they drove to Welfare Quarters. When they noticed a flat tyre, they stopped and arranged for a commercial vehicle to transport the victim to the hospital. The car, his personal belongings, and other passengers are currently missing.

Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, Ph.D., psc., mnips, has ordered a full investigation and assured the family and friends of the deceased that the truth will be uncovered and justice will be served.

CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine

Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command

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