Two people were killed and several others injured on Saturday after a sand-laden tipper truck collided with a commercial bus transporting newly shortlisted Nigerian Army recruits from Obinze, Imo State, to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m., approximately two kilometres from the Obinze Army Barracks.
The victims who died were identified as the bus conductor and one of the prospective recruits. Those injured were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the tipper truck reportedly lost control before crashing into the bus, 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 survivors worked together to rescue those trapped before emergency responders arrived," an eyewitness said.
Personnel of the Nigerian Army, supported by residents and emergency responders, carried out rescue operations and evacuated the injured to the hospital.
Confirming the incident, the Army Public Relations Officer, Major Abdullahi Maimartaba, said the bus was conveying Potential Constabulary Candidates (PCOs) to the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.
"The Potential Constabulary Candidates were travelling to Zaria when the accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m., approximately two kilometres from Obinze Barracks after a tipper truck rammed into their bus," he said.
Maimartaba also dismissed social media reports claiming 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 added.
The incident has renewed concerns over road safety and the recurring involvement of heavy-duty vehicles in fatal crashes on Nigerian highways, with residents calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
