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Benin Catholic Bishops Condole with Road Accident Victims, Express “spiritual closeness”

Credit: Courtesy Photo

Catholic Bishops in Benin have condoled with victims of the tragic road accident that reportedly killed at least 22 people and injured dozens more on Sunday, January 29.

The accident occurred when a bus carrying some 40 passengers from Parakou to the economic capital, Cotonou in the South, reportedly collided with a truck. In a statement issued Monday, January 30, the government says those injured “are being treated in several clinics.”

In a collective statement shared with ACI Africa Monday, January 30., members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) say they are “deeply affected by this tragedy that caused a significant loss of human life.” 

“We present our sincere condolences and express our spiritual closeness with the grieving families, as well as to all the people of Benin,” CEB members say in their message, and add that they are praying “for the speedy recovery of those seriously injured.”

They direct all Catholic Parishes in Benin “to make arrangements as soon as this message is received, so that Masses may be celebrated for the eternal beatitude of the victims.”  

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“May the God of Mercy welcome our deceased brothers and sisters into his Kingdom of Light,” CEB members implore in their one-page statement issued January 30.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known but authorities say an investigation has been opened.

In a Facebook post, the Director of communications for the President of Benin, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji said, “In this painful circumstance, the government expresses its sympathy to the whole nation and presents its deepest condolences to all the grieving families.”

This tragedy has once again “reminded us that safety on our roads remains a constant challenge and urges us to take even stronger actions for a more effective safety of people and goods,” Mr. Houngbédji added.

He further said a crisis unit has been set up for relatives to get information.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.