The Benue State Police Command has taken into custody three members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from the Katsina-Ala branch for their suspected involvement in an accident that resulted in the death of nine passengers.
This was disclosed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement released to journalists on Sunday.
Police reports indicate that the crash happened on Friday along the Katsina-Ala highway.
Edet explained that the NURTW officials were accused of obstructing the road, causing major traffic congestion that ultimately led to the deadly accident.
The statement partly read: “Benue State Command strongly warns against the unlawful obstruction of public highways, following a tragic multiple-vehicle accident that claimed nine (9) lives and left several others injured on 28th November 2025, along Katsina-Ala highway.
“The accident, which occurred at about 20:15hrs, involved a MAN diesel truck with registration number TARABA ARD 967XA and multiple other vehicles, after members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Katsina-Ala branch, allegedly blocked the highway, causing severe traffic disruption that triggered the fatal crash.
“Victims were rushed to Toro Hospital, Katsina-Ala, for treatment, while deceased bodies were deposited at the General Hospital.”
The statement added: “The Chairman of NURTW, Katsina-Ala branch, Aja Vanger ‘M’, along with two members, Stephen Kahungur ‘M’ and Saater Vihiga ‘M’, who allegedly caused the obstruction, have been arrested and are currently in custody.”
Edet said the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.
While reiterating that the command frowns upon blocking highways, Edet described such acts as “criminal offences that endanger public safety and will attract decisive legal consequences.”
The Benue State Police Command, therefore, urged all road users and transport operators to prioritise safety, obey traffic regulations, and avoid actions that endanger lives.
The command also expressed empathy to the affected families and assured them that the law would be enforced firmly to prevent future tragedies.