Twenty-one members of the United Evangelical Church, Abayi International, in Aba, Abia State, were evacuated to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital when a fast-moving Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle ramed into their road parade.
The event occurred on Thursday, about 6 p.m., along the Aba-Owerri route, while the women and some members of the church’s Boys Brigade band were on a road walk to raise awareness about International Women’s Day.
The mishap, which abruptly ended the sensitisation procession, endangered 21 church members.
According to DAILY POST, many of the victims, including a pregnant woman, had broken legs, hands, and brain injuries, while others sustained other types of inside injuries.
The church’s pastor, Nnamdi Kelvin, who was weeping inside the hospital about the tragedy, claimed the members were hit from behind by the vehicle, characterizing the incident as reckless and horrific.
Meanwhile, several of the injured, who were in great pain, pleaded with the Abia State government to save their lives by giving financial assistance to enable them to receive the necessary medical care.
Four further victims have been brought to an unnamed private hospital by their relatives.
The driver of the Jeep, who allegedly blamed the collision on brake failure, has been arrested and taken to the World Bank Police station in Abayi.