Twelve members of Jehovah’s Witnesses lost their lives on Sunday night in a road accident along the Owerri-Onitsha road, shortly after the Njaba bridge in Imo State.
The crash, which occurred around 9 p.m., involved a gas tanker marked “NUPENG” with registration number T 16716 LA, reportedly driving against traffic, and a commuter bus with registration number ABB 79 BX conveying the worshippers.
Henry Okoye, spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Monday. He said the accident claimed the lives of 12 people eight adults and four children while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to the police, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at Ogbaku mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma.
Okoye added that the wreckage has since been cleared and normal traffic flow restored. He noted that the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, has extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the quick recovery of survivors.
The police further cautioned motorists against reckless driving and urged road users to strictly observe traffic regulations to avoid similar tragedies.
