Three leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), including the Katsina-Ala Branch of the Union, have been arrested by police operatives that claimed the lives of nine travellers and left several others with life-threatening injuries during the Katsina-Ala highway crash in Benue State on Friday 28th November, 2025.
In a statement issued late Saturday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet identified all the male suspects as
Aja Vanger along with two members, Stephen Kahungur and Saater Vihiga in the State.
Police said the incident, which occurred at about 2015hrs, involving a MAN diesel truck marked: TARABA ARD 967XA and multiple vehicles, after members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Katsina-Ala Branch allegedly blocked the highway, thereby causing severe traffic disruption that triggered the fatal crash.
DSP Udeme Edet explained that accident victims were taken to Toro Hospital Katsina-Ala by responders for immediate treatment, while deceased bodies were deposited at the General Hospital.
“The Chairman of NURTW Katsina-Ala Branch, Aja Vanger ‘M’, along with two members, Stephen Kahungur ‘M’ and Saater Vihiga ‘M’, who allegedly caused the obstruction, have been arrested and are currently in custody. They will be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.
“The Benue State Police Command urges all road users and transport operators to prioritize safety, obey traffic regulations, and avoid actions that endanger lives. While the Command empathizes with affected families, it will enforce the law firmly to prevent future tragedies”, police vowed.
