Two people died and 15 others sustained injuries in a road crash involving Army recruitment candidates on Saturday morning.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement from its 82 Division headquarters. A bus carrying candidates for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake programme collided with a tipper truck.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m. on the Owerri–Port Harcourt Expressway in Imo State. It occurred approximately two kilometres from Obinze Barracks.
Among the injured were one soldier, 13 recruitment candidates, and the bus driver. They sustained varying degrees of injuries in the collision.
According to the Army statement, those critically wounded received treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri. Other injured persons were being cared for at the Brigade Medical Centre.
A bus conductor and one recruitment candidate lost their lives despite rescue efforts. Their next of kin have been notified of their deaths.
Major General OA Fadairo, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, extended his sympathies to the bereaved families. He also wished all injured victims a quick recovery.
Investigations into what caused the accident are now underway. Military authorities are looking into all circumstances surrounding the incident.
The remaining candidates will be transported safely to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria. Arrangements for their movement have already been finalized by the Army.
Officials cautioned the public against spreading unverified details on social media platforms. They urged Nigerians to depend solely on official Army communications regarding the matter.
