Benue: Police arrest 17 over mob attack on passengers

In Benue State, police have apprehended 17 individuals in connection with a violent mob attack on passengers of a commercial vehicle along the Jato-Aka-Adikpo road in Kwande Local Government Area. This incident occurred after a motor accident, leading to a senior police officer being left in a coma. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kwande sustained multiple machete injuries while trying to rescue an accident victim.

CP Cletus Nwadiogbu disclosed this at the weekend, during the parade of the suspects at the command headquarters in Makurdi. Nwadiogbu stated that the injured senior police officer remains hospitalized and is receiving medical attention.

The conflict began when the vehicle, carrying passengers and the attacked police officer, struck a villager. In response, residents armed with machetes stormed the scene, attacking the occupants of the vehicle. The DPO, who arrived at the scene to rescue the passengers, was also targeted, sustaining multiple machete wounds. The police officers inside the vehicle were further assaulted, the Toyota Hilux vehicle was vandalized and damaged, the roof of a nearby police station was destroyed, and personal belongings, including mobile phones, were stolen.

Nwadiogbu condemned the resort to mob action, urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized that criminal matters should be handled within the provisions of the law. Following the incident, 17 suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.

The commissioner condemned the 17 suspects and assured that they will be charged to court after the investigation. He also commended the courage and commitment of officers and tactical teams involved in the operation, promising that the command would continue to protect lives and property and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.