Benue crash outrage grows as police arrest NURTW officials over a fatal highway obstruction that killed nine passengers in Katsina-Ala

The Benue State Police Command has sparked Benue crash outrage after confirming the arrest of three officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Katsina-Ala branch, in connection with a fatal incident that claimed nine lives on Friday.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said the tragic crash occurred along the Katsina-Ala highway after the officials allegedly blocked the road, creating a chaotic traffic situation that triggered the deadly collision.

The force described the obstruction as reckless and a criminal act with devastating public safety consequences.

According to Edet, the multiple-vehicle crash happened around 20:15hrs and involved a MAN diesel truck with registration number TARABA ARD 967XA and several other vehicles.

Victims were rushed to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital.

Edet confirmed that the NURTW branch chairman, Aja Vanger, alongside two members, Stephen Kahungur and Saater Vihiga, had been taken into custody.

He said the suspects would face prosecution once investigations were completed.

The Police Command warned that blocking public highways is a criminal offence that endangers lives and will attract firm legal sanctions.

The force urged road users and transport operators to prioritise safety and avoid actions capable of causing further tragedies.

Expressing sympathy to the bereaved families, the command assured residents of decisive enforcement to prevent similar incidents.

In a separate development, six children aged between seven and nine were rescued by the police on November 21 after an attempted trafficking operation.

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The children had reportedly been taken from Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, and three female suspects were arrested.