Nigeria Grieves the Loss of Prominent Church Leader in Tragic Road Accident
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) community and the broader Nigerian religious landscape are in mourning following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of three church members, including prominent former women's leader Deborah Bonat. The tragic incident occurred as a team was returning from an evangelistic outreach mission, sending shockwaves through religious circles across multiple states.
Details of the Fatal Accident
According to official statements from ECWA's public relations officer Danjuma Dickson Auta, the accident involved a bus carrying 14 participants from Zonzon DCC in Kaduna State. The vehicle was traveling near the Lariski area of Bauchi State while returning from Taraba State when the crash occurred. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Of the 14 passengers on board, three victims were confirmed dead at a hospital in Gombe State where the injured were transported. Medical reports indicate that six individuals are currently receiving treatment for their injuries, while five others have been discharged in stable condition. The church leadership is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the bodies of the deceased are returned to their families for proper burial arrangements.
Remembering the Deceased Leaders
The three church members who lost their lives in the tragic accident have been identified as Mama Deborah Bonat, a former ECWA Women Fellowship International leader; Reverend Habila Tagwai Kajan, former Zonzon DCC secretary; and Mama Lydia John. Deborah Bonat was 68 years old at the time of her passing and was widely recognized for her decades of dedicated service to the church and community.
Bonat's legacy as a devoted leader and mother who exemplified faith and selfless service has been highlighted in numerous tributes following her untimely death. Her commitment to evangelistic work took her across Nigeria and beyond its borders, earning her respect and admiration from countless individuals whose lives she touched through her ministry.
Heartfelt Tribute from a Grieving Daughter
Monisola Eniola-Ashaolu, who identified herself as Deborah Bonat's daughter, shared an emotional tribute on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that captured the profound impact of her mother's life and sudden passing. In her verified account post dated Tuesday, March 31, 2026, she described her mother as "my iron woman, the master planner, and my spiritual anchor" whose death has created an immense void.
The tribute revealed poignant details about Bonat's final moments:
- She died on Monday, March 23, 2026, while returning from a successful evangelistic outreach in Taraba State
- Her daughter noted that Bonat had originally planned to join an outreach in Kebbi State but changed her plans at the last minute to accompany the team from her home DCC to Taraba
- Eniola-Ashaolu emphasized that her mother died "as she lived—on the frontlines of the Gospel"
- She described the accident as particularly tragic because other passengers, including Bonat's younger brother who was seated beside her, emerged without serious injuries
The grieving daughter reflected on the widespread impact of her mother's death, stating: "Her death has hit so many people beyond us her immediate family. She touched lives. She had many people. Many many people we didn't even envision." She requested prayers for divine comfort, healing for those still hospitalized, and for the continuation of her mother's legacy of faith and commitment to missions.
Church Response and Community Support
ECWA leadership has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urged church members to remain prayerful, calm, and steadfast in faith during this difficult period. The religious organization has called on the community to support the affected families both practically and spiritually as they navigate this profound loss.
The tragedy has highlighted ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, coming shortly after other fatal accidents were reported across the country. Just weeks before this incident, a multi-vehicle collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway killed three members of the same family, while officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) rescued two injured survivors from that wreckage.
As investigations into the Bauchi State accident continue, the ECWA community and wider Nigerian society are reflecting on the legacy of service left by Deborah Bonat and her fellow church members. Their dedication to evangelistic work, even in their final moments, serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith and community.
