Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye confirmed that the accident also left eight others injured.
According to him, the tanker bearing registration number T 16716 LA and marked with the NUPENG logo was driving against traffic when it collided with the bus.
He said the bus was transporting members of the Jehovah’s Witness Church from Anambra State to Agwa community in Imo when the fatal crash happened.
Okoye explained that the bodies of the deceased were taken to Ogbaku Mortuary, while survivors are receiving treatment at Divine Hospital, Awo-Omamma.
He added that police officers, working with road safety officials, had cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow.
Imo Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and called on motorists to avoid reckless driving, especially wrong-way driving, which he described as a major cause of accidents.
The statement reads, “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.”
KanyiDaily also reported how a tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge in Lagos claimed one life and left three others with severe burns.
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