By Erewunmi Peace

Tragedy struck in Imo State on Monday evening as a fatal road accident claimed the lives of at least 15 members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation.

The victims, all indigenes of Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, were returning from their annual assembly held in Uli, Anambra State, when their bus was involved in a head-on collision with a trailer at Awomama Bridge, along Owerri-Onitsha Road.

Eyewitnesses said the trailer was allegedly driving against traffic when it rammed into the bus, leaving multiple casualties on the spot. Several other passengers sustained severe injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Confirming the tragedy, the Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a “black day for Agwa community and the entire Oguta LGA.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the local government would support them in this difficult period.

“This is a painful loss not only to the Jehovah’s Witness congregation but to the entire Oguta people. We stand with the families of the victims in prayers and solidarity,” Nnani said.

While some reports put the death toll at 12 with 8 others injured, community sources maintain that 15 worshippers lost their lives in the crash. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is expected to issue an official statement on the accident.

The incident has thrown the Agwa community into mourning as families and congregants struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss.