Police Arrest 17 After Mob Attack on Accident Victims

Seventeen individuals were arrested by the Benue State Police Command in connection with a mob attack on passengers following a motor accident. The incident occurred when a vehicle carrying passengers, including a senior police officer, struck a villager, prompting local residents to attack the vehicle with machetes.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kwande, who arrived to assist, sustained multiple machete wounds during the rescue attempt. The senior police officer involved in the incident is currently hospitalized and in a coma.

The mob also attacked other police officers who were passengers, vandalized the Toyota Hilux vehicle, damaged a nearby police station, and stole personal belongings. State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, condemned the mob action, urging the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation and will be charged in court.