The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory announced the death of 12 of its officers in a fatal auto accident at Ovia River close to Benin City, Edo State, while they were returning from Officers’ Councils Conference in Lagos.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Secretary of the organization, Major Daniel Ekong, stated thus, “the Salvation Army has lost 12 of its officers (pastors), a baby and a driver in a fatal accident occurred at the Ovia River near Benin, the Edo State capital on Thursday.
Ekong said, “At the time of filing this statement, it has been reported that approximately 12 officers, one comrade who drove the vehicle, and a baby tragically lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
“The accident was said to have been caused by a speeding Dangote truck which allegedly rammed into the 18-seater bus conveying the clerics from behind.
“The clerics of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services were returning to the South-South part of the country from a 5-day Officers Council (national conference) held in Lagos,” Ekong stated.
The statement also quoted the national leader of the organisation in Nigeria, Commissioner Daniel Kasuso, Territorial Commander, as extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and praying for God’s protection over those who remain.
Kasuso however prayed for the families in particular and the Salvation Army in general that the souls of the departed officers, baby, and comrade (member driver), find eternal rest in the embrace of God.
The statement added, “The Leadership of the Salvation Army Nigeria Territory hereby extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased officers and fervently prays for God’s protection over those who remained.
“May the souls of the departed officers and comrade, find eternal rest in the embrace of God,” the statement further read.
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