Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, expressed deep sorrow on Thursday over the tragic death of Afolabi Stephen, a 19-year-old Nigerian student allegedly killed in Manitoba, Canada.
Afolabi Stephen reportedly lost his life on December 31, 2023, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. According to a statement from the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, officers responded to a call regarding a young male exhibiting “erratic” behavior. Despite attempts to calm the young man, the situation escalated, leading to the discharge of a firearm by the police and, tragically, his death.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, Dabiri-Erewa, through the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, issued a condolence message. She assured that her commission is in contact with the Nigerian mission in Ottawa, and they have received assurances from Canadian authorities regarding the commencement of thorough investigations into the unfortunate incident.
Expressing profound sympathy, Dabiri-Erewa extended the deepest condolences to Afolabi’s family and friends. She fervently prayed for God to grant peace to the gentle and innocent soul of Afolabi, seeking solace for those mourning his untimely departure.
