Three NURTW Officials Arrested For Causing Road Crash That Claimed Nine Lives In Benue
Posted 5 days ago at 11:10 pm on Sunday, November 30, 2025 by SchoolOverFlow
The Benue State Police Command has arrested three officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Katsina-Ala branch, for their alleged role in a fatal crash that killed nine passengers.
The incident happened on Friday, November 28, at the Amaafu military checkpoint along the Katsina-Ala highway.
According to the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the NURTW officials allegedly blocked the highway, causing heavy traffic congestion that led to the tragic multiple-vehicle collision.
Police Statement
“Benue State Command strongly warns against the unlawful obstruction of public highways, following a tragic accident that claimed nine lives and left several others injured on 28th November 2025, along Katsina-Ala highway,” the statement read.
Edet explained that the accident involved a MAN diesel truck (registration TARABA ARD 967XA) and several other vehicles. Victims were taken to Toro Hospital, Katsina-Ala, while the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital.
The arrested suspects include:
• Aja Vanger (Chairman, NURTW Katsina-Ala branch)
• Stephen Kahungur
• Saater Vihiga
They are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.
Police Warning
Edet reiterated that blocking public highways is a criminal offence that endangers lives and will attract strict legal consequences.
The command urged road users and transport operators to prioritise safety, obey traffic rules, and avoid actions that put the public at risk.
It also expressed sympathy to the affected families and promised firm enforcement of the law to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident happened on Friday, November 28, at the Amaafu military checkpoint along the Katsina-Ala highway.
According to the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the NURTW officials allegedly blocked the highway, causing heavy traffic congestion that led to the tragic multiple-vehicle collision.
Police Statement
“Benue State Command strongly warns against the unlawful obstruction of public highways, following a tragic accident that claimed nine lives and left several others injured on 28th November 2025, along Katsina-Ala highway,” the statement read.
Edet explained that the accident involved a MAN diesel truck (registration TARABA ARD 967XA) and several other vehicles. Victims were taken to Toro Hospital, Katsina-Ala, while the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital.
The arrested suspects include:
• Aja Vanger (Chairman, NURTW Katsina-Ala branch)
• Stephen Kahungur
• Saater Vihiga
They are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.
Police Warning
Edet reiterated that blocking public highways is a criminal offence that endangers lives and will attract strict legal consequences.
The command urged road users and transport operators to prioritise safety, obey traffic rules, and avoid actions that put the public at risk.
It also expressed sympathy to the affected families and promised firm enforcement of the law to prevent similar tragedies.
