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.
