Twelve members of Jehovah’s Witnesses lost their lives in a fatal accident on Sunday night along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, shortly after Njaba Bridge in Imo State.

 

The crash, which occurred around 9:00 p.m., involved a gas tanker truck with registration number T 16716 LA (marked “NUPENG”) that was reportedly driving against traffic, and a commuter bus with registration number ABB 79 BX, conveying church members from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo State.

 

Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Command said 12 people, eight adults and four children died, while eight others sustained injuries.

 

Police spokesman Henry Okoye explained that the victims’ bodies had been deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary, while the injured were taken to Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma, for treatment.

 

He added that police operatives had cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

 

Okoye further cautioned motorists against reckless driving, urging road users to prioritize safety and comply with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.