The Nigerian Association of Manitoba (NAMI) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Afolabi Stephen, a 19-year-old Nigerian student, who was shot and killed by Canadian police on December 31, 2023.

The incident occurred in response to a 911 call reporting a male acting erratically at an apartment suite in the first 100 block of University Crescent, as outlined in a statement on the Winnipeg Police Service’s website.

According to the police statement, upon their arrival, officers were confronted by an armed male, leading to an encounter where an officer discharged his firearm, striking the individual.

Despite immediate medical care, Afolabi succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.

In response to the tragic incident, NAMI, in a statement signed by its president, Vera Obehi Keyede, conveyed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. The association acknowledged the distress within the community and urged for calm, emphasizing the importance of allowing the ongoing investigation to proceed without tension or hindrance.

The statement read, “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 pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available and extended support to those directly or indirectly affected by the unfortunate incident. The association emphasized the need for solidarity during these challenging times and called on the community to refrain from activities that may disrupt the investigative process and the law.

Hassan Sharif, an imam shot multiple times outside a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday, has succumbed to his injuries, according to the state’s Attorney-General, Matt Platkin. The incident does not initially appear to be motivated by “bias” or domestic terrorism, as per the evidence collected.

Platkin acknowledged the heightened sense of fear within communities, particularly the Muslim community in New Jersey, amidst global events and a rise in bias. While the motivation behind the crime remains unclear, there is no indication, based on current evidence, that it was an act of bias or terrorism.

Essex County prosecutor Ted Stephens confirmed that Sharif was shot more than once and stated, “it does not appear the imam was the victim of a bias crime or that this is related to terrorism.” The United States Transportation Security Administration confirmed Sharif had worked as a security screener at Newark Airport since 2016.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described Sharif as “a beacon of leadership and excellence.” CAIR advised mosques to remain cautious, given the recent spike in anti-Muslim bigotry, despite keeping their doors open. The investigation is focused on bringing justice for the imam’s family, with authorities condemning the incident as a “dastardly crime.”

Israeli forces escalated their bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip yesterday, urging civilians to evacuate a northern refugee camp as the conflict spilled into Lebanon with the reported killing of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut.

Israel, while not confirming the drone strike that allegedly took out Arouri, maintained a high state of readiness. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the military spokesperson, stated, “Israeli forces are prepared for any scenario.”

The assassination signals an expansion of the nearly three-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, reaching into the occupied West Bank, involving Hezbollah forces on the Lebanon-Israel border, and impacting Red Sea shipping lanes.

Arouri, 57, residing in Beirut, became the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel’s offensive began in response to the group’s incursion into Israeli towns on Oct. 7.

Hamas politburo member Hossam Badran declared in a eulogy for Arouri: “We say to the criminal occupation (Israel) that the battle between us is open.”

Accused by Israel of orchestrating attacks, Arouri was also reportedly central to negotiations by Qatar and Egypt concerning the Gaza war’s outcome and the release of Hamas-held Israeli hostages.

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, set to address the situation in Beirut, had previously cautioned Israel against conducting assassinations on Lebanese soil, promising a “severe reaction.”

Hezbollah, a strong ally of Hamas, has engaged in near-daily clashes with Israel across Lebanon’s southern border since the onset of the Gaza war, resulting in over 100 Hezbollah fighters and two dozen civilians killed on Lebanese territory, along with at least nine Israeli soldiers in Israel.

After Arouri’s assassination, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon expressed deep concern about the potential escalation with “devastating consequences for people on both sides of the border.”

The Israeli military reported “intensive battles” with militants continuing in Gaza, specifically in the southern city of Khan Younis, aiming to root out Hamas leaders. Reports from residents and Palestinian media indicated Israeli forces targeted Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in the northern part of Hamas-ruled Gaza overnight, demolishing several multi-floor buildings. Leaflets were dropped, instructing residents to evacuate seven districts in Al-Nusseirat.