Members of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba are mourning the passing of 19-year-old Afolabi Stephen, killed by police on December 31, 2023.
The Winnipeg Police Department responded to a call about erratic behavior, stating efforts to calm him failed, leading to a fatal discharge of a firearm.
The incident occurred at an apartment in the first 100 block of University Crescent. Police confronted an armed male, discharging a firearm and causing critical injuries. Immediate medical care was provided, but the young man succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The Nigerian Association in Manitoba, Canada, expressed deep regret and condolences in a statement signed by its President, Vera Keyede.
They urged the community to stay calm during ongoing investigations, acknowledging the need for answers and justice.
The statement emphasized the challenging times and the importance of solidarity, promising updates as more information becomes available.
This incident adds to concerns about extrajudicial killings of Nigerians abroad, with recent reports highlighting over 300 cases in the last seven years.
The Nigerian community faces challenges, urging collective support for those affected and emphasizing the need for solidarity during these troubling times.
