The killing of a 19-year-old Nigerian student, Afolabi Stephen, by the Canadian Police has left the Nigerian Association of Manitoba in mourning.
Afolabi was shot by policemen on December 31, 2023, in response to a 911 call in Winnipeg.
According to a statement posted on the website of the Manitoba Police Department, the Winnipeg, officers had showed up at an apartment suite after a call of a young man acting erratically”.
The Canadian police said efforts made to install calm failed, hence the discharge of a firearm which led to Afolabi’s death.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The Nigerian Association in Manitoba, Canada has released a statement signed by its President, Vera Keyede, to console the family of the late Afolabi.
It further urged the Nigerian community to remain calm while awaiting the completion of ongoing investigations.
