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BREAKING: 12 Jehovah’s Witness Members Die in Fatal Road Crash at Awomama Bridge, Imo State

Tragedy struck in Imo State on Tuesday evening as 12 members of the Christian congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident at Awomama Bridge. The heartbreaking crash, which happened around 6:45 p.m., has thrown the entire state, especially the Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, into mourning.

According to reliable information, the victims were traveling home after attending their annual Jehovah’s Witness Assembly Convention in Uli, Anambra State. What was supposed to be a joyous spiritual gathering ended in tears, sorrow, and grief.

How the Tragedy Happened

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the accident occurred at a deplorable section of the Awomama Bridge, a notorious black spot known for accidents.

The commercial bus conveying the worshippers was hit by a trailer allegedly driving against traffic. The force of the collision was so severe that the bus was completely mangled, and most passengers died instantly.

While initial media reports claimed 15 deaths, further checks have confirmed that 12 persons died on the spot, while 8 others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

Eyewitness Account of the Fatal Crash

One eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the scene as “a total disaster.”

“We saw the trailer coming from the wrong direction, and before we could even raise an alarm, it rammed into the bus. The bus was carrying people from convention. The impact was terrible. Many died immediately. Some were crying for help, but it was too late for most of them.”

Another resident of Awomama, who arrived shortly after the crash, said:

“The road has been bad for years. We always complain about this bridge, but nothing is ever done. Now we have lost innocent lives who were just coming from a peaceful worship.”

Victims Were Returning from Convention

The victims were members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Agwa community, Oguta LGA. They had attended the three-day annual convention in Uli, a gathering that draws thousands of Witnesses from across the region.

Relatives of the victims said they left home full of joy and excitement to attend the program, never imagining it would be their last journey.

One grieving family member told reporters:

“They were happy to go and learn from the Bible. We even waved at them when they were leaving. Now, we are receiving their bodies back. It is too painful.”

Authorities Respond to the Crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the accident but cautioned that the death toll being circulated in the media was inconsistent. According to their field officers, 12 people died, while 8 survivors were taken to different hospitals.

The Imo State Police Command also confirmed the tragic incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the trailer driver was under the influence or simply reckless.

Police spokesperson said:

“We can confirm that 12 persons lost their lives in this unfortunate accident. Eight others were injured and are currently receiving treatment. We are working to establish the exact cause of the crash, but preliminary reports suggest that the trailer was driving against traffic.”

Agwa Community in Mourning

In Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, the mood has been heavy since the news broke. Families have gathered in clusters, weeping, consoling one another, and struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

The Chairman of Oguta Local Government, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy. He described it as a “great loss, not just to Agwa community but to the entire state.”

“We mourn with the families of those who lost their lives in this terrible accident. These were peaceful worshippers returning from a holy assembly. It is painful that their lives were cut short due to recklessness on the road. We will work with authorities to ensure justice is done.”

State of the Roads in Imo

The crash has once again drawn attention to the terrible state of many Nigerian roads, especially in Imo State. Residents of Awomama have long complained that the bridge is in deplorable condition, yet nothing has been done.

Community leaders said the combination of bad roads and reckless driving is a recipe for repeated disasters.

A youth leader in Awomama remarked:

“If this road was in good condition, this trailer would not have had the space to misbehave. We have begged for repairs for years. Now, we are counting the dead.”

Religious Community in Shock

Jehovah’s Witness congregations across Imo State and beyond have been thrown into mourning. Witnesses are known for their peaceful lifestyle and their emphasis on family and community unity.

Members described the loss as “heartbreaking.”

“We go to conventions to strengthen our faith and enjoy spiritual fellowship. It is sad that our brothers and sisters had to die in such a painful way. We trust that Jehovah God will comfort the families and give them strength,” one Witness elder told journalists.

Condolences Pour In

Messages of condolence have been pouring in from different quarters:

Religious leaders from other denominations in Imo State expressed their sympathy and called for urgent road safety reforms.

Civil society groups urged the Federal Government to make road safety a top priority.

Local residents lit candles and held a prayer vigil at Awomama Bridge on Wednesday night in memory of the victims.

Recurring Road Tragedies in Nigeria

This crash is part of a disturbing pattern of fatal road accidents across Nigeria. According to FRSC data, thousands of people die every year due to bad roads, speeding, and reckless driving.

Experts say that unless the government invests heavily in road infrastructure and enforcement, more lives will continue to be lost.

Calls for Justice and Accountability

Relatives of the deceased are demanding justice. They want the trailer driver and the owners of the vehicle held accountable for the reckless driving that cut short 12 innocent lives.

One grieving father said:

“My daughter was in that bus. She was only 23. The government must make sure the driver faces the law. We cannot continue to lose people like this without consequences.”

A Painful Reminder

The Awomama Bridge crash serves as another painful reminder of how fragile life is on Nigerian roads. For the Jehovah’s Witness community, it is a moment of grief but also a time to strengthen their faith.

As one congregation member put it:

“We believe that those who died were faithful. We will see them again in the resurrection. That hope gives us comfort, even in this pain.”

Conclusion

The confirmed death of 12 Jehovah’s Witness members in the Imo State road crash has thrown families, communities, and congregations into mourning. While the wounds are still fresh, the tragedy highlights two urgent issues: the need for safer roads and the enforcement of traffic laws.

As Nigeria mourns these worshippers, the hope is that their painful loss will serve as a wake-up call for authorities to act, so that no more lives are lost unnecessarily on the nation’s roads.