The Benue State Police Command has arrested three officers of the Nationwide Union of Street Transport Staff (NURTW), Katsina-Ala department, in reference to a crash that claimed 9 lives on Friday alongside the Katsina-Ala freeway.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, mentioned in a launch on Sunday that the incident occurred at about 20:15hrs and concerned a MAN diesel truck with registration quantity TARABA ARD 967XA and a number of different autos. The crash adopted the alleged obstruction of the freeway by members of the NURTW, which precipitated extreme site visitors disruption.
“Benue State Command strongly warns towards the illegal obstruction of public highways, following a tragic multiple-vehicle accident that claimed 9 (9) lives and left a number of others injured on twenty eighth November 2025, alongside Katsina-Ala freeway,” the assertion learn. “Victims have been rushed to Toro Hospital, Katsina-Ala, for remedy, whereas deceased our bodies have been deposited on the Basic Hospital.”
The assertion added that the NURTW officers concerned embrace the department chairman, Aja Vanger, and two members, Stephen Kahungur and Saater Vihiga. “They allegedly precipitated the obstruction, have been arrested and are at present in custody,” the spokesperson mentioned.
Edet indicated that the suspects could be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation and reiterated that the command regards blocking highways as “felony offences that endanger public security and can appeal to decisive authorized penalties.” He urged all highway customers and transport operators to obey site visitors rules and keep away from actions that threaten lives.
The police additionally prolonged their sympathies to the households affected by the crash and warranted that the legislation could be enforced firmly to forestall future tragedies.
In a separate improvement, the Benue State Police Command lately rescued six kids, aged seven to 9, reportedly trafficked from Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, to Anambra State. Three feminine suspects have been arrested in reference to the trafficking case, DSP Edet mentioned.
Automobile plunges into river, kills 8
Eight members of the Kyegh household have died after the automobile conveying them plunged into River Dura in Kwande Native Authorities Space of Benue State. The victims have been reportedly travelling midweek to make ultimate burial preparations for a relative when the accident occurred.
The Chairman of Vandeikya Native Authorities, Mr Dennis Guda, visited the bereaved household and described the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown your entire Vandeikya Native Authorities into deep mourning.”
He consoled the household, settled all mortuary payments, and donated eight caskets to help burial preparations.
Mr Guda added, “No household deserves to undergo such unimaginable tragedy alone. We’re one individuals, and their ache is our ache,” assuring the family members that the council stood firmly with them of their second of grief.
