Benue Family Demands Justice After Teenager’s Death in Police Raid

A 19-year-old teenager, Peter Onminyi, was killed during a police operation in Makurdi, Benue State, sparking outrage and conflicting accounts over the incident. While the Benue State Police Command claimed that Peter was involved in kidnapping and died in a gunfight with their officers, his family is demanding justice, alleging that he was killed in cold blood at their home.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Catherine Anene stated on Thursday that the Operation Zenda unit was on an arrest mission when the encounter with alleged kidnappers turned violent. “The police went there for an arrest, and during the process, one of the boys started exchanging gunfire with the police, which led to his death,” Anene explained. The police maintain that the young man was part of a kidnapping ring.

However, Peter’s father, Mr. Joseph Onminyi, has rejected these claims, describing the incident as a brutal, unprovoked killing. Speaking to PUNCH Metro, he recounted how police officers stormed their home on May 19, 2024, at about 8 p.m., shooting his son while he was having dinner. “I am Mr. Joseph Onminyi, the father of the deceased Peter Onminyi, whom the police shot to death on May 19 in my own house, not even outside,” he said, his voice trembling with grief and anger.

According to Mr. Onminyi, the officers provided no explanation for their actions. “They didn’t ask or tell anybody about the offence he committed,” he said. “They just jumped through the fence, started shooting sporadically, and shot my son while he was at the dining table.” He further claimed that the police took away Peter’s body and confiscated household items, including a refrigerator, radio, washing machine, gas cooker, two motorcycles, and other belongings.

The grieving father described the police’s actions as akin to armed robbery. “They came unannounced, shot and killed my innocent child, and took away everything in the house,” he said. He added that the family has been locked out of their home since the incident. “We demand the immediate release of the items evacuated from our house and access to our home because we have been badly traumatised and tired of sleeping outside.”

Mr. Onminyi, a retired civil servant, described his son as “a complete gentleman” who had committed no known offense. He expressed anguish over not knowing the location of Peter’s body and pleaded for its return so they could give him a proper burial according to Idoma customs. “Up till this moment, I don’t know where my son’s lifeless body is,” he lamented.

In response, PPRO Anene reiterated the police’s stance, stating that Peter was allegedly involved in criminal activities. “I am aware of the case which involved a boy who is into kidnapping,” she said. “The police went there for an arrest, and during the process, there was a gunfire exchange, which led to his death.” Anene added that she was still confirming the full details of the case.

The incident has left the Onminyi family and many residents of Makurdi seeking answers and justice. As tensions rise, the family is calling on relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure accountability.