Title: Family Seeks Answers in Fatal Shooting of University Student by Winnipeg Police

Yemisi Opaso grapples with grief and questions as she mourns the loss of her brother, Afolabi Opaso, who was fatally shot by Winnipeg police officers on New Year’s Eve. Afolabi, a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria studying at the University of Manitoba, was described by his sister as kind, sweet, and ambitious.

The tragic incident unfolded at an apartment building on 77 University Cres., where Afolabi was shot by police responding to a well-being call. Yemisi recalls her brother’s mental breakdown, as recounted by his roommates, who dialed 911 seeking medical assistance for Afolabi, emphasizing that he posed a danger only to himself.

Distraught and seeking closure, Yemisi expresses frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding her brother’s death. The investigation, now overseen by Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to avoid potential conflicts of interest, awaits the completion of Afolabi’s autopsy before proceeding with potential charges.

Meanwhile, the grieving family, including Afolabi’s parents in Nigeria, awaits answers and justice. Yemisi underscores the need for improved police training to handle mental health crises more effectively, advocating for reforms to prevent similar tragedies.

In the midst of grief, community leaders like Uche Nwankwo stress the importance of supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and call for a compassionate approach in addressing their needs. As Winnipeg’s Black and African communities grapple with the trauma of Afolabi’s death, there’s a collective call for systemic change to ensure such incidents do not define their communities or their city.