Tragedy on Katsina-Ala Highway: Nine Lives Lost in Preventable Accident
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of nine persons in a devastating road crash along the Katsina-Ala Highway. The fatal accident occurred on November 28, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m. and involved multiple vehicles after an alleged illegal obstruction of the highway.
According to police reports, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from the Katsina-Ala branch were responsible for blocking the highway, causing severe traffic disruption that led to the catastrophic collision. The incident involved a MAN diesel truck with registration number Taraba ARD 967XA and several other vehicles.
Police Response and Arrests Made
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, confirmed that immediate action was taken following the tragic incident. Three NURTW officials have been arrested in connection with the illegal highway obstruction that caused the fatal crash.
The arrested individuals include:
- Aja Vanger - Chairman of NURTW Katsina-Ala Branch
- Stephen Kahungur - NURTW member
- Saater Vihiga - NURTW member
All three suspects are currently in police custody and will face prosecution once investigations are completed. The victims of the crash were rushed to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala for emergency treatment, while the deceased have been moved to the General Hospital mortuary.
Police Warning Against Highway Obstruction
The Benue State Police Command has issued a strong warning against the unlawful blocking of public highways, emphasizing that such actions constitute criminal offenses that endanger public safety. DSP Edet reiterated that blocking highways is a criminal offence that will attract decisive legal consequences.
The police statement clearly indicated that individuals or groups involved in such dangerous acts will face the full wrath of the law. The Command expressed deep empathy with the families affected by the tragic incident and assured the public of its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations firmly to prevent future tragedies.
Road users and transport operators have been urged to prioritize safety, obey all traffic regulations, and avoid any actions that could potentially endanger lives on Nigerian roads.
Delta State Police Rescue Seven Boys from Yahoo Masters
In a separate development, the Delta State Police Command has successfully rescued seven young boys from what authorities describe as "Yahoo boys' masters" in Delta State. According to Police Spokesperson Bright Edafe, the operation followed a complaint from one of the victims who reported being deceived into an apartment later identified as Hustlers Kingdom (HK).
The rescued boys revealed disturbing details of their captivity, stating that whenever they failed to secure paying clients, their masters would subject them to physical punishment using a cane (koboko). Police operatives from the Quick Rapid Squad (QRS) swiftly responded to the complaint, stormed the apartment, and rescued all seven boys who were being held against their will.
During the operation, police arrested two suspects who identified themselves as "chairmen" of the illegal operation. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has commended the officers involved for their swift response and professional conduct, while urging residents to provide credible information to aid the fight against criminal activities in the state.
