Clergy calls for day of mourning to remember 12 Salvation Army pastors involved in auto crash

As Nigerians continue to mourn with the Salvation Army and the respective families of 12 pastors of the church who died in a recent fatal road accident along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, a cleric and lead pastor of Gospel House, Home of the Gospel Deliverance Ministry International in Calabar, Cross River State has called for a National Day of mourning to commemorate the unfortunate incident in a chat with newsmen on Sunday 2nd July 2023.

The auto accident happened on Thursday June 29, 2023 on the bridge across the Ovia River close to Benin City, the Edo State capital as the officers were travelling back to South-South after participating in a five-day National Conference for officials held in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Secretary of the organization, Major Daniel Ekong, the accident which claimed 14 lives including 12 pastors, a baby and the driver was said to have been caused by a speeding Dangote truck which allegedly rammed into the 18-seater bus from behind.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has promised to assist the bereaved families so also is Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in February 25, 2023 Presidential Elections who in a post on his Twitter page on Saturday morning said he received the report with shock.

HE commiserated with the families of the dead officers and the Salvation Army, while also praying for quick recovery for the injured victims.

The injured victim from the accident are currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)