The Quill’s featured poem, published under the pen-name Zen, refers to a recent event that took place in Manitoba’s capital city, Winnipeg. Afolabi Stephen Opaso (Zigi) was a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria. In the afternoon on December 31st, 911 was called, requesting assistance for a mental health crisis. According to a lawyer in charge of the case, “They made sure they said this was a mental health situation, that the person is their friend, you know, is not a danger to anyone. It was just they needed assistance,” (Statement to CTV News). Police showed up at the apartment and quickly discharged three shots, then took Zigi to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. There is no evidence that Zigi threatened or attacked the police officers, and according to some reports they may not have given him time to do anything at all before shooting.
Why did a mental health call lead to the death of a 19-year old Black man? Why have the Winnipeg police murdered at least six Black, Indigenous, or otherwise racialized individuals in the past five months (several of which were in response to mental health calls)?
In 2021, the Winnipeg Police Service announced the Alternative Response to Citizens in Crisis (ARCC) project, which would involve mental health clinicians and plainclothes police officers responding to mental health crises, rather than uniformed officers. Why wasn’t ARCC employed in this case? Winnipeg Police claim it would not have been suitable, as the officers couldn't ensure the safety of the situation. Whatever excuse they make, there is NO reason to fatally shoot a man in the midst of a mental health crisis. The officers responsible need to be fired at the very least, and the ARCC program clearly needs to be improved and universalized. In what world do mental health crises call for uniformed, armed police officers and not doctors? Mentally unwell people need psychiatrists and treatment, not bullets in their chest. Zigi should have gotten the mental healthcare that he needed, and gone on to finish his degree and follow his dreams like any other young person.
Zigi is remembered as a passionate, caring friend with a deep love for music and especially dance. Prior to this event, he had experienced one episode of psychosis last July, but was otherwise described as an overall happy person. He is deeply missed by friends and family, both in Canada and in his home country of Nigeria. I hope there will be justice for this devastating loss.