17 in police net over alleged attack on officers in Benue

In a recent incident in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, 17 individuals have been arrested for allegedly attacking police officers, according to the Benue State Police Command. The arrest was made following a media briefing by the Command's Commissioner, CP Cletus Nwandiogu. The incident occurred on August 30, 2026, after a vehicle from Taraba State struck a young boy in Adagio, Jato-Aka.

Upon arriving at the scene, police officers attempting to help the injured child were confronted by an angry mob. Despite efforts by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to control the situation, the mob allegedly attacked the officers with machetes. One DPO sustained injuries, while another police officer was severely beaten and initially believed to be dead, though he is now alive and on life support in a hospital in Anambra State.

The arrested individuals are currently at the State Command, awaiting arraignment. Nwandiogu emphasized the importance of reporting grievances to the appropriate authorities instead of taking the law into one's own hands, warning residents against such actions. He also advised motorists and passengers to avoid late-night journeys to minimize exposure to security risks.