Members of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba are mourning the tragic passing of 19-year-old Nigerian, Afolabi Stephen, who was fatally shot by the police on December 31, 2023, in Winnipeg, Canada. Although the details surrounding his death remain unclear, the Winnipeg Police Department, in a statement, explained that officers responded to a call about a young male behaving “erratically.”
According to the police statement, attempts to calm the young man were unsuccessful, leading to an officer discharging a firearm, resulting in his death. The incident occurred at an apartment suite in the first 100 block of University Crescent.
The Winnipeg Police Service’s official 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.”
In response to the tragic incident, the Nigerian Association in Manitoba, Canada, expressed its deepest concern and regret in a statement signed by its President, Vera Keyede. The association offered condolences to the family of the deceased, urging the Nigerian community to remain calm while investigations are ongoing
The statement emphasized the challenging time for the community, urging solidarity and restraint from engaging in activities that may hinder the investigative process. The association assured the community that it is closely monitoring the situation and seeking guidance on how to proceed. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.