Tragedy struck in Gombe State on Wednesday, when a Sharon vehicle loaded with bags of rice lost control and rammed into a procession of Christian faithful from Tumfure community.
Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred along Bauchi Road, Gombe, around 2 pm, injuring about 22 people.
The 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.
According to DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Police Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Police Command, “the vehicle, with registration number yet unknown, was driven by a yet-to-be-identified person who escaped to an unknown destination after the incident.”
Abdullahi continued saying, “The victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, and Specialist Hospital for medical attention. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the accident.”
He added, “However, the situation took a violent turn when an angry mob burnt down the vehicle. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with the CP directing the Command Motor Traffic Department to carry out a discreet investigation.”
DSP Abdullahi urged the public to remain calm, stressing that efforts are being made to locate and arrest the driver.
“the situation is calm, and procession monitoring and pa
trolling are ongoing,”he added.
