Catholics in Anambra are thankful after Bishop Jonas Okoye and two priests survived a road crash.
Their car was badly damaged on Agulu Lake Road, but all three are recovering in stable condition.
The Catholic community in Anambra State has been thrown into a state of concern and gratitude following reports that the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, was involved in a serious road accident on Agulu Lake Road. The bishop was travelling from Ukpor to Agulu on a pastoral mission when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Bishop Okoye was not alone in the vehicle. He was accompanied by two of his priests, whose names have not yet been made public. The three clergy members sustained injuries in the crash and were rushed immediately to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Hospital officials have confirmed that the victims are in stable condition and are being closely monitored.
The news was first made public by the Catholic Treasure Facebook page, which shared the information alongside photos from the scene of the crash. The images showed the severely damaged vehicle, believed to be the one transporting the bishop and his companions. The post, which expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing their lives, read: “Thank God for the life of our dear Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye and two of his priests… Thanks be to God!”
Though the exact cause of the accident has not been confirmed, early speculations suggest that the crash may have been due to poor road conditions or mechanical failure. Eyewitness accounts remain sketchy, and no official report from the police or road safety authorities has been issued as of the time of this report.
The news of the crash has triggered an outpouring of prayers and well wishes from across the state and beyond. Members of the Catholic faithful and residents of Anambra have flooded social media platforms with messages of support, expressing relief that the lives of the bishop and his priests were preserved.
Some have also used the incident to call for improvements in road infrastructure and better safety measures for clergy and travellers in general, especially along rural and intercity routes in Anambra State.
As the bishop and his fellow priests recover, the Diocese of Nnewi and the broader Catholic community remain hopeful for their swift healing, while offering thanks for what many are calling a miraculous escape.
