A sorrowful Easter celebration turned tragic in Billiri local government area of Gombe state as a trailer truck transporting grains from Adamawa state lost control and plowed into a crowd of Christian worshippers during a procession on Monday.
A press release signed by DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer for the Gombe State Police Command, said the truck suffered a brake failure while approaching the gathering.
“It veered off the road and struck several people, including onlookers, some of whom were Muslim resident,” he said.
Police officers from the Billiri Division swiftly intervened, rescuing the injured and transporting them to nearby medical facilities.
Tragically, five lives, two men and three women, were lost in the accident and eight others are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital in Billiri, and are reportedly responding well.
In a wave of grief and anger, irate youth reportedly torched the ill-fated truck, looted nearby shops, and stormed the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters.
The situation escalated as the protesters hurled stones and dangerous objects at officers, leaving the Divisional Police Officer and several personnel injured. Police have since restored calm to the area.
The Gombe state Police command condemned the act of violence and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Yahaya, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the full details of the incident.
He also reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, while urging the public to avoid taking the law into their hands and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.