A Nigerian man, Toshiba Ihediri, has shared an emotional testimony after narrowly escaping a fatal road crash that claimed the lives of 15 traders from Umuahia.
The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as the victims were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony in Enugu State. The victims reportedly d!ed when the coaster bus conveying them was involved in a devastating crash. Several others were said to have sustained severe injuries, with some left unconscious at the scene.
“God, I thank You for saving me yesterday”
Ihediri, who revealed that he is a neighbour to the groom, disclosed that he had initially boarded the coaster bus heading to Enugu for the wedding. However, after waiting for several hours for the vehicle to be filled, he said he felt a strong spiritual prompting to disembark.
In a heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine intervention.
“God, I thank You for saving me yesterday. God, You did it all alone,” he wrote.
According to him, he had been seated in the bus from about 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., waiting for other passengers so the journey could commence.
“You instructed me to silently get down from that coaster bus, and I listened to Your voice and decided not to embark on that journey to Enugu again.”
He explained that after nearly five hours of waiting, he changed his mind and decided to return home, becoming the only passenger who chose not to continue with the trip.
Fatal Crash Claims Multiple Lives
Not long after the bus departed, tragedy struck.
“After sitting in the coaster bus for about 5 hours (8am–12pm), waiting for others to fill the bus so we could move, I changed my mind and decided not to go again.
Twelve persons lost their lives at a spot in an accident involving the bus I was supposed to travel with. Others are still unconscious.”
While early accounts mentioned 12 fatalities, subsequent reports indicate that the death toll rose to 15 traders from Umuahia.
The devastating incident has thrown families and the Umuahia business community into mourning, as many of the deceased were said to be traders returning from the joyous ceremony.
“Who Am I to Gain Such a Favor?”
Reflecting on the near-miss, Ihediri questioned what might have become of his loved ones had he remained on the bus.
“What would have been the fate of my aged mother, wife, kids, siblings, relatives, and close friends?”
He added:
“Many lives were lost in that coaster bus. I decided not to travel to Enugu for my neighbor’s wedding/traditional marriage.
Who am I to gain such a favor from You? I was the only person who changed my mind and decided not to travel with that coaster bus.
Thank You, Lord, for You have shown me mercy. I am so grateful to You and will always remain grateful.”
Community in Shock
The heartbreaking accident has once again highlighted concerns about road safety in Nigeria, especially involving commercial vehicles used for inter-state travel. Families of the victims are reportedly grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, many have taken to social media to express condolences and reflect on the fragility of life.
The testimony shared by Ihediri has since sparked conversations online about faith, destiny, and the unpredictability of life’s journey.
