Grief and Anguish as Fatal Crash at Okija Junction Claims Multiple Lives Along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway [VIDEO]

 

Residents of Anambra State are reeling from a devastating accident that unfolded on Thursday evening at the busy Okija Junction in Ihiala Local Government Area. The tragic incident, which occurred along the well-traveled Onitsha-Owerri expressway, has claimed multiple lives, leaving the atmosphere heavy with sorrow and disbelief.

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the aftermath. Many described the scene as one of unimaginable pain, with bodies lying motionless and survivors struggling to process the horror before them. The accident site quickly became a gathering point for distressed passersby, traders, and motorists, who watched helplessly as the reality of the tragedy sank in.

Okija Junction is a key transportation node in the region, linking several towns and facilitating constant movement of goods and people. On a typical day, the area bustles with commercial activity, but Thursday’s events brought that energy to a sudden and heartbreaking halt. The flow of traffic slowed to a crawl as onlookers crowded the site, some praying quietly, others openly weeping.

A video clip circulating on social media, shared by X user @ChuksEricE, captured the immediate aftermath. The footage reveals a wrecked Toyota Hiace minibus perched precariously on the edge of a road bridge, its frame mangled beyond recognition. This model of vehicle, often used for commercial transport, can carry up to 18 passengers, raising fears that the casualty figure could be high. In the background of the video, anguished voices fill the air as men and women lament the loss of friends, relatives, and fellow travelers.

The cause of the accident remains unclear at this time. While speculation ranges from overspeeding to possible brake failure, official confirmation of the circumstances has not yet been made. Several witnesses claim the impact was so severe that the bus was thrown from the road onto the bridge structure, a sight that left many struggling to understand how the collision could have been so forceful.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials arrived swiftly to control the situation and assist victims. Margaret Onabe, Public Education Officer for the FRSC in Anambra State, confirmed the occurrence of the crash during a phone interview but noted that she was awaiting authorization from her superior before releasing a formal statement. “Yes, there was a fatal accident yesterday. I have written a report on that but awaiting my boss’s approval,” she stated. Her comments suggest that more detailed information, including confirmed casualty figures, may be made available soon.

For now, the number of victims remains unverified, but the emotional toll is undeniable. Those who witnessed the accident spoke of families torn apart and journeys that ended in the most tragic way possible. Many expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such accidents in the area, with calls for stricter traffic enforcement, improved road signage, and better vehicle maintenance requirements for commercial transport operators.

Local leaders have also voiced their condolences and pledged to support any official investigations. Several community members gathered at nearby churches and open spaces to hold impromptu prayer sessions for the dead, injured, and their grieving families. Traders at Okija Junction temporarily shut their shops as a sign of respect, while some commuters decided to delay their travel plans altogether, shaken by the reality of the risks faced on the highways.

Beyond the grief, this incident raises urgent questions about road safety in Anambra and across Nigeria’s busy intercity routes. The Onitsha-Owerri expressway, though vital for commerce and travel, has been the site of multiple fatal crashes over the years. Heavy vehicle traffic, combined with high travel speeds and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations, has often made it a hotspot for such tragedies.

Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation once the full details emerge. The hope is that the findings will lead to actionable measures that can prevent another catastrophe of this scale. Until then, the people of Okija and the surrounding communities are left to grapple with the sudden loss of life and the haunting images of a journey that ended in devastation.

For now, Okija Junction stands as a silent witness to yet another reminder of the fragility of life and the need for constant vigilance on Nigeria’s roads. The sorrow it holds this week will linger long after the wreckage is cleared, a painful memory etched into the hearts of those who saw the tragedy unfold.

Yesterday, a tragic acc!dent at Okija Junction in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, claimed several lives💔😢 pic.twitter.com/ux8hc5IKbL

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) August 8, 2025