The Benue State Police Command has arrested 17 persons over mob attack on police officers at Adagio, Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
This was disclosed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwandiogu during a media briefing in Makurdi.
He said the incident occurred on August 30, 2026, after a vehicle travelling from Taraba State struck a young boy in the community.
CP Nwandiogu said the police officers travelling in the vehicle stopped in an attempt to take the injured boy to hospital but were confronted by an angry mob.
He said efforts by the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka to bring the situation under control were unsuccessful as some members of the mob allegedly attacked the officers with machetes.
CP Nwandiogu further said the DPO sustained injuries, while another police officer was severely beaten and initially presumed dead by the attackers.
“The officer is still alive, though on life support in an undisclosed hospital in Anambra State.
“We have arrested 17 persons in connection with the incident, and they are at the State Command awaiting arraignment, while investigation is ongoing.”
He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that grievances should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
“I want to warn residents not to take the law into their own hands. We are not in a lawless nation,” he said.
Nwadiogbu also advised motorists and passengers to avoid late-night journeys where possible as part of measures to reduce their exposure to security risks.