By Ayodele Oni
A religious group, the Salvation Army, is mourning as 12 of its Pastors met their untimely death in a fatal accident near Ovia river, Benin City, Edo state, on Thursday.
Also confirmed dead are a baby and a driver, while others were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
It was gathered that the accident was caused by a speeding Dangote truck, which allegedly rammed into the 18-seater bus conveying the Clerics from behind.
A statement issued Thursday evening by the Public Relations Secretary, Major Daniel Ekong stated that the officers were returning to the South-south part of the country from a five-day Officers Council (national conference) held in Lagos.
According to the statement, “The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory Regrets Fatal Accident Involving Officers Returning from Officers’ Councils
“The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory/ Commissioner Daniel Kasuso deeply regrets to announce that a group of Officers, who were returning from the just concluded Officers Councils, were involved in a fatal accident.
“At the time of this release, it has been reported that approximately 12 Officers, one comrade who drove, and a baby tragically lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“The Leadership extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Officers and fervently prays for God’s protection over those who remain.
Please pray for the families and The Salvation Army.
“May the souls of the departed Officers and Comrade, find eternal rest in the embrace of God. I write on behalf of the Territorial Commander.”
