A 19-year-old Nigerian international student in Canada identified as Stephen Afolabi Opaso, fondly called Zigi by peers, was shot dead by Canadian police in Manitoba on December 31, 2023, sparking reactions from Nigerians and the diaspora community.
The incident involved the killing of Opaso, a student of the University of Manitoba by the Winnipeg Police Service after receiving a distress call from an apartment suite of an armed male acting erratically.
Opaso was allegedly experiencing a mental health crisis and was wielding a knife at the time of the encounter, according to eyewitnesses. Police yelled “Drop the knife” before firing 3 shots at the victim eventually leading to his passing.
The Winnipeg Police in their statement, acknowledged the confrontation with an armed male but provided limited details.
“On December 31, 2023, at approximately 2:22 p.m., 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.
During this encounter, an officer discharged their firearm, striking the male. Officers provided immediate medical care and ensured the well-being being of all other parties on scene. Nobody else was injured.
The male was transported to hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries,” the statement read.
In a condolence message, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), described the incident as “wicked,” promising that the commission will ensure that justice is served.
“We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident has begun and will be thorough.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace,” she said.
The aftermath of the incident sees emotions run high among countrymen in Manitoba, a mix of grief and frustration.
The Nigerian community expressed significant dismay over the outcome, directing sharp criticism towards the Winnipeg Police for their handling of the situation.
“This young boy has been murdered by the police. The officers didn’t even attempt to de-escalate the situation. Y’all must be held accountable,” said Willstone on X.
“You killed a 19 year old university student in his own apartment by shooting at him three times on New Year’s Eve, a second after yelling your instruction to him. What happened to using a taser, or shooting a non-vital part of his body? What is your training for? @wpgpolice,” said Omosaaa on X.
The incident has sparked apprehension among individuals studying in Canada, who raised concerns about the welfare and rights of international students in the Great White North.
The victim’s acquaintances and other Nigerians on X had started trending #JusiticeforZigi aiming to draw more attention to the incident, and requesting proper legal proceedings.
Amid the outrage, a faction of individuals applauded the police, hailing them for what they deemed a commendable job in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of the other party.
This triggered a vehement backlash from grieving individuals who voiced their discontent at the remarks expressing sympathy towards the victim.
The Nigerian Association of Manitoba, a non-partisan liaison organization to promote understanding between Nigeria and Canada have appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, expressing regret over the incident, and demanding answers and accountability.
In their statement, they sympathized with the victim’s family while pleading with Nigerians to halt from violence and let the law take its course.
“We extend our condolences to the deceased family and friends. We understand the anxiety, frustration, sadness and distress this incident has caused within our community.
We plead with everyone not to engage in any activity that may cause any tension or hinder the process of investigation and the law.
This is a challenging time for all of us, we need the Nigerian community to remain calm and composed as investigations are underway,” they said
They further assured members of the community that they are “closely monitoring the situation and seeking guidance on how to proceed.”
“We acknowledge the community’s right to seek answers and justice for one of our own…NAMI will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available to us.”
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Police have announced the commencement of investigations, which are currently under the jurisdiction of the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU).
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