The Benue State Police Command has arrested three officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a tragic multi-vehicle crash that claimed nine lives and injured several others. According to police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, the accident occurred on Friday, November 28, 2025, at about 20:15hrs along the Katsina-Ala highway, near the Amaafu military checkpoint. Authorities allege that the highway was unlawfully obstructed by union members, causing severe traffic buildup before a MAN diesel truck (registration TARABA ARD 967XA) rammed into multiple vehicles. The incident, confirmed through the police’s official Benue State Command update, left responders rushing victims to Toro Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital.

The arrested NURTW officials branch chairman Aja Vanger and members Stephen Kahungur and Saater Vihiga are currently in custody and will face prosecution after investigations. DSP Edet described such highway obstructions as criminal offences, stressing that actions endangering public safety will attract strict legal consequences. The Command urged all drivers, transport operators, and commuters to adopt safer road practices. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the police have extended condolences and pledged decisive action to prevent similar tragedies.

In a separate heartbreaking event, eight members of the Kyegh family died when their vehicle plunged into River Dura in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. They were reportedly travelling midweek to arrange burial plans for a deceased relative before the tragedy struck. The incident plunged their community into deep grief, prompting a condolence visit from Mr. Dennis Guda, Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government. During the visit—documented by the Benue State Government information portal—he described the loss as overwhelming and announced support for the family, including settling mortuary bills and donating eight caskets toward the burial.

Meanwhile, the state continues to struggle with escalating security concerns. Last week, three farmers—identified as Ioryer Kwaghkaha, Ayila Atsar, and one yet-to-be-identified victim—were killed in a renewed armed herdsmen attack on Gilim Ashi village, located along the Naka-Agagbe road in Gwer West LGA. The attack occurred Thursday afternoon as the victims worked on their farms, heightening fear among residents of Gilim Ashi and nearby Naka. This tragedy followed the murder of a traveler the previous day along the Naka-Makurdi road near Kula village, underscoring the persistent threat in the region, which has been widely raised in recent security briefs.

In a positive development, the Benue State Police Command rescued six children, aged seven to nine, who were allegedly trafficked from the Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, to Anambra State. Three female suspects linked to the trafficking ring have been arrested. DSP Edet emphasized that the Command remains committed to pursuing human trafficking networks, protecting minors, and restoring safety across the state.