The sudden death of 19-year-old Afolabi Stephen in an incident involving the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department on December 31, 2023, has left members of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba in mourning.
The Winnipeg Police Department posted a statement on its website, Winnipeg.ca, stating that officers responded to a report regarding a young guy exhibiting “erratic” behaviour, even though the precise circumstances surrounding his unfortunate death are still unknown.
When the police arrived, they could not calm the young man, so they ended up using a handgun on him, which is what killed him.
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The Nigerian community in Manitoba laments the passing of a bright young person and demands an exhaustive probe into the events leading up to Afolabi Stephen’s demise.
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.”
Following his demise, President Vera Keyede sent a statement on behalf of the Nigerian Association in Manitoba, Canada, expressing their sympathies.
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The organisation expressed its condolences to the family that had lost a loved one and urged the Nigerian community to maintain composure while the investigations were 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 31st 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.
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“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.”
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