A yet-to-be identified driver on Wednesday ran into Gombe Christmas procession injuring scores around women centre, opposite Orji Estate on Gombe -Bauchi expressway.
Our correspondent reports that procession is a yearly ritual that allows the Christian community pay homages to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor of Gombe State Muhammadu Yahaya, as a show of solidarity, peace and love.
The procession which had parishioners from Tumfure axis, along Gombe -Bauchi expressway was heading to the Emir’s ground where it will team up with other parishioners from other areas, then terminate at Gombe Government House before the fatality occurred.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the driver of the vehicle killed some of the protesters, on-the-spot, while many others were injured.
Speaking, Grace David, said, “As we were coming we learnt that a driver ran into our procession. He killed, injured some persons. In turn we learnt he was stoned to death immediately and those that sustained injuries were taken to the hospital.”
Also, Danladi Jason, said the procession was coming from Tumfure to Gombe Emir’s palace, “We started the journey from Tumfure only for the man to hit our members and injured many of us.”
Confirming the incident, Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi, debunked that it was a massacre, adding “I think what happened was an accident. The Sharon vehicle involved was overloaded with grains.On the rooftop it has bags of grains. To say it’s a massacre means it’s a deliberate attempt.”
Continuing he declined to comment on causalities, stressing that those injured have been admitted at State Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital for treatment, “Nobody died for now. My colleagues are stationed there to ensure that peace is restored, that there is no looting; right now I don’t know if the numbers of persons injured but we admitted some in Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe to ensure that they get the best medical attention,” he added.
