Benue: Police warn against illegal highway obstruction as accident claims 9 lives

By Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has warned against the unlawful obstruction of public highways following a tragic multiple-vehicle accident that claimed nine lives and left several others injured on November 28, along the Katsina-Ala highway.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement issued in Makurdi, said the accident, which occurred at about 20:15 hrs, involved a MAN diesel truck with registration number TARABA ARD 967XA and multiple vehicles. It was reported that 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 collision.

Injured victims were rushed to Toro Hospital, Katsina-Ala for treatment, while the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital.

The Chairman of NURTW Katsina-Ala Branch, Aja Vanger, along with two members, Stephen Kahungur and Saater Vihiga, who allegedly caused the obstruction, have been arrested and are currently in custody.

They will be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.

The Command reiterated that blocking highways is a criminal offence that endangers public safety and will attract decisive legal consequences. Individuals or groups involved in such acts will face the full wrath of the law.

The Benue State Police Command urged all road users and transport operators to prioritise safety, obey traffic regulations, and avoid actions that endanger lives.

While the Command empathises with affected families, it reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the law firmly to prevent future tragedies.