Okechukwu woke up on Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Valentine’s Day — brimming with excitement. It was his wedding day. But before the close of the day, no fewer than 15 of his guests were lying lifeless in the mortuary, victims of a tragic auto crash that shattered families and left the newlywed couple traumatised.

Love story cut short by tragedy

Okechukwu, a native of Umuebe Amoji Orlu in Imo State and a graduate of Petroleum Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, met his wife, Marble Amarachi Nnamani, during their National Youth Service Corps at Osisioma, Abia State, in 2022.

The couple also served as ad-hoc presiding officers for the Independent National Electoral Commission during the 2023 governorship election in Abia.

After years of courtship, they chose Valentine’s Day for both their church wedding in Enugu and traditional marriage at the bride’s family compound in Amagunze, Nkanu.

Return trip ends in tragedy

Guests from Umuahia, mainly traders from Bonny Street Market, departed after the reception in a 32-seater coaster bus. Barely 30 minutes into the journey, the bus reportedly drove against traffic and collided head-on with an articulated truck near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ozalla, along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

Twelve passengers, including the driver, reportedly died instantly, while three others succumbed to injuries later in hospital.

‘I begged God to take my life’

Speaking amid tears, the 28-year-old groom said his life had been “completely shattered.”

“The day we trusted God to be the happiest of our lives became the saddest. Most of those who died were my family members and friends. When I heard the news, I begged God to take my life and restore theirs,” he said.

He disclosed that his wife, a graduate of Enugu State University of Technology, is still battling trauma.

Survivors recount ordeal

One of the survivors, Joseph Unya, said the crash occurred “in a flash,” confirming the bus was driving against traffic. Another survivor, Joel Okezie, sustained fractures on both legs and a neck injury.

Families of victims remain inconsolable. Among the deceased was a popular Umuahia Master of Ceremony known as MC Counsellor. Traders at Bonny Street Market said at least eight of their members lost their lives.

Conflicting claims over cause

Allegations of alcohol consumption surfaced, but the transport firm dismissed them. Mr Daniel Nwankwo, who works with the company, insisted the late driver never drank alcohol.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Ngozi Ezeoma, also questioned reports that the driver was drunk but warned against route violations and speeding, stressing that human error remains the leading cause of crashes.

Abia govt reacts

The Abia State Government, in a statement by Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix, said Governor Alex Otti had directed immediate engagement with affected families to assess their needs and provide relief.

The government reiterated its commitment to road safety awareness and collaboration with relevant authorities to prevent future tragedies.