A devastating incident occurred on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in Billiri town, Gombe State, Nigeria, when a truck lost control and rammed into a procession of Christian faithful celebrating Easter. The accident resulted in the deaths of five individuals—two males and three females—and left eight others injured.
According to the Gombe State Police Command, the truck, transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe, experienced brake failure while approaching the gathering along the Gombe-Yola Road around 6:30 a.m. The vehicle veered off the road and tragically ran into the crowd, which included some Muslim residents observing from the roadside.
In the aftermath, aggrieved youths set the vehicle ablaze, looted shops, and marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters, throwing stones and other dangerous objects at officers on duty. Several police personnel, including the Divisional Police Officer, sustained varying degrees of injury during the unrest.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Bello Yahaya, condemned the act of lawlessness and urged residents to remain calm. He assured the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and directed relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. He vowed that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The incident has sparked discussions on road safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent such occurrences. The community mourns the loss of lives and prays for the quick recovery of the injured.
As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety protocols.
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