A somber atmosphere enveloped the Nigerian community in Manitoba as they grieved the untimely death of Afolabi Stephen, a 19-year-old student, who lost his life on December 31, 2023, at the hands of Canadian policemen.
Details surrounding the tragic incident remain unclear, but the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department, in an official statement on Winnipeg.ca, reported responding to a 911 call about a young man displaying erratic behaviour.
According to the police statement, attempts to de-escalate the situation proved unsuccessful, leading to the use of a firearm by the officers and ultimately resulting in the young man’s death.
“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.”
Expressing their condolences, the Nigerian Association in Manitoba, Canada, led by President Vera Keyede, issued a statement urging the community to remain calm as investigations into the incident continue.