The Nigerian Association of Manitoba has expressed its sadness over the death of Afolabi Stephen, a 19-year-old Nigerian student, who was shot dead by Canadian policemen on December 31, 2023.

The Winnipeg Police Service said that its officers reacted to “a 911 call regarding a male acting erratically” in a statement posted on its website, winnipeg.ca.

The statement read: “On December 31, 2023, at approximately 2:22 pm, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to an apartment suite in the first 100 block of University Crescent for a 911 call regarding a male acting erratically. The caller advised the male may be armed, and there were other people in the suite.

“Upon police arrival, they were confronted by an armed male. During this encounter, an officer discharged his firearm, striking the male. Officers provided immediate medical care and ensured the well-being of all other parties on the scene. Nobody else was injured.

“The male was transported to the hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries.”

In a statement released by Vera Obehi Keyede, president of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba (NAMI), the organization expressed grief at Afolabi’s passing and urged patience while the inquiry is still underway.

The statement read: “The Nigerian Association of Manitoba wishes to express her deepest concern and regret over the unfortunate incident involving the shooting that led to the death of a Nigerian international student, by the Winnipeg Police Service on the 31^st of December 2023.

“We extend our condolences to the deceased family and friends. We understand the anxiety, frustration, sadness, and distress this incident has caused within our community. We plead with everyone not to engage in any activity that may cause any tension or hinder the process of investigation and the law.

“This is a challenging time for all of us, we need the Nigerian community to remain calm and composed as investigations are underway. We acknowledge the community’s right to seek answers and justice for one of our own. NAMI is closely monitoring the situation and seeking guidance on how to proceed.

“NAMI will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available to us. We extend our support to those directly or indirectly affected by this unfortunate incident, and we cannot over-emphasise the need for solidarity during these challenging times.” (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)

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