Benue: Three NURTW officials arrested after crash killed nine

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The Benue State Police Command has arrested three officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Katsina-Ala branch, over their alleged role in a crash that claimed the lives of nine passengers.

The spokesperson for the state command, DSP Udeme Edet, stated this in a statement issued and made available to journalists on Sunday.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Friday along Katsina-Ala highway.

Edet said the NURTW officials allegedly blocked the highway, causing severe traffic disruption that triggered the fatal crash.

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.” Punch