The Benue State Police Command has claimed that 19-year-old Peter Onminyi, who was killed during a police operation, was allegedly involved in kidnapping and died in a shootout with law enforcement.
According to The PUNCH, his father, Joseph Onminyi has however insisted that his son was shot by police in the family’s home without cause and is calling for justice.
The police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying, “The boy was reportedly involved in kidnapping. The police went there for an arrest, and during the operation, one of the boys engaged in a gunfight with officers, which led to his death.”
The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, at Welfare Quarters in Makurdi, according to Anene, who also mentioned that she would provide further details.
The family, however, paints a starkly different picture. Speaking to the press, Mr. Joseph Onminyi, a retired civil servant, asserted that Peter was having dinner with the family when police allegedly stormed their residence. “They didn’t approach me or my family members. They jumped the fence, started shooting, and killed my son at our dining table,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
The distraught father alleged that officers also took Peter’s body, removed household items—including a refrigerator, washing machine, and motorcycles—and sealed the house without explanation. “This feels like armed robbery. The police neither explained their purpose nor informed us of any charges. They simply opened fire and took away my son’s body,” Mr. Onminyi said.
Desperate to give his son a proper burial according to Idoma customs, Mr. Onminyi has pleaded with the police to release Peter’s body. “We demand the return of my son’s body and the items taken from our home. We’ve been sleeping outside, traumatized and uncertain of when we’ll have our home back,” he added.
