Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A journey of hope turned into a scene of death and devastation on Saturday when a sand-laden tipper truck collided with a luxury bus carrying newly shortlisted Nigerian Army recruits, killing two people and leaving 15 others with varying degrees of injuries.
The crash occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on the Owerri–Port Harcourt Expressway, approximately two kilometres from the Obinze Army Barracks in Imo State, according to a statement issued on Saturday, June 27, 2026, by the Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army . The bus was conveying Potential Constabulary Candidates (PCOs) from Obinze, Imo State, to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) exercise .
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the tipper truck, loaded with sand, suddenly veered off its lane and smashed into the bus with a devastating impact, leaving several passengers trapped in the wreckage . “It was a horrifying scene. The tipper suddenly veered off its lane and smashed into the bus. Soldiers, passers-by and other survivors worked frantically to rescue those trapped before emergency responders arrived,” an eyewitness recounted .
The deceased were identified as the bus conductor and one of the prospective recruits . The injured victims, comprising one soldier, 13 recruitment candidates, and the bus driver, were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, and the Brigade Medical Centre (BMC) for urgent medical attention .
Confirming the incident, the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Major Abdullahi Maimartaba, dismissed reports circulating on social media that suggested a higher death toll. “Contrary to reports on social media, only two persons—a bus conductor and one of the candidates—died in the accident. Some others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri,” he stated .
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General OA Fadairo, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery . The Army also disclosed that an investigation into the cause of the accident had commenced, and arrangements had been made to ensure the safe movement of the remaining candidates to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria .
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over the increasing number of fatal road accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian highways, with residents calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives . The Army has urged members of the public to disregard unverified information circulating on social media and to rely only on official statements issued by the Nigerian Army .
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