Tragedy struck in Imo State on Tuesday when a gas tanker collided head-on with a bus carrying members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church, resulting in the deaths of 12 persons — eight adults and four children — and injuries to eight others.
The horrific crash occurred as the tanker, with registration number T 16716 LA and bearing the NUPENG inscription, was reported to be driving against traffic before crashing into the oncoming bus. The victims were church members travelling from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo State.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said the injured have been taken to Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma, while the deceased were deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary.
“Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident — eight adults and four children — while eight others were injured,” Okoye stated.
He added that the wreckage has been cleared and normal traffic flow restored, thanks to the prompt efforts of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“The road was cleared by a team led by the DPO of Awo-Omamma in collaboration with Road Safety personnel,” he added.
An investigation into the crash has been officially launched, with authorities promising further updates as more facts emerge.
Meanwhile, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has extended his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as heartbreaking. He also issued a strong warning to motorists.
“This tragic event could have been avoided. I urge all drivers to desist from reckless behaviours, especially driving against traffic. Such negligence costs lives,” the Commissioner said.
The crash has sparked renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement and accountability for hazardous driving practices, especially among heavy-duty vehicle operators.
See the full statement below:
IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2025
FATAL ACCIDENT AT OWERRI/ONITSHA ROAD: POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION, CAUTION AGAINST ONE-WAY DRIVING
The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fatal motor accident that occurred on 7th September 2025, at about 2100 hours, along Owerri/Onitsha Road Hill, after Njaba Bridge.
The tragic crash involved a gas tanker truck with registration number T 16716 LA, bearing the inscription NUPENG, which was driving against traffic (one-way), and a commuter bus with registration number ABB 79 BX, transporting members of Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra State to Agwa village in Imo State.
Regrettably, twelve persons lost their lives in the accident, eight adults and four children while eight persons were injured. The deceased have been evacuated and deposited at Ogbaku Mortuary while the injured persons are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital Awo-Omamma.
Wreckage on the road has been cleared and free flow of traffic restored by a team of police personnel led by the DPO of Awo-Omamma in synergy with Road Safety personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families, wishes the injured persons quick recovery and warns motorists against reckless practices such as driving against traffic, excessive speeding, and negligence, which remain leading causes of fatal road accidents.
He urges all road users to prioritize safety, obey traffic regulations, and drive responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress. Members of the public who may have useful information are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or call 08148024755, 08034773600.
DSP OKOYE HENRY, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
Imo State Command
