From David Hassan, Gombe
Five people were reported killed and 8 other injured when Christian faithful went on procession early morning on Monday, to mark Easter ceremony at Billiri Local government areas of Gombe state.
Gombe state Police Command through its Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi who confirmed the incident in a press statement signed and issued to Journalists on Monday said the trailer truck was transporting grains from Adamawa state to Gombe when the incident happened.
He said the truck lost control due to brake failure while approaching the gathering.
According to the statement, the vehicle veered off the road and rammed into the crowd and crushed them.
He said other people observing the procession from the other side of the road were also affected.
“A truck transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe lost control due to brake failure while approaching a gathering of Christian faithful who were on procession to celebrate the Easter season in Billiri town.
“The vehicle veered off the road and tragically ran into the crowd, including some Muslim residents who were observing from the roadside.
“Police operatives from Billiri Division swiftly responded to the distress, providing immediate rescue efforts and conveying the injured victims to the nearest hospital for emergency medical attention.
“Regrettably, five (5) persons which include two males and three females were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while eight (8) others are currently receiving treatment and responding positively at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and General hospital Billiri.
“In the aftermath of the incident, some aggrieved youths in the area set the vehicle ablaze, looting some shops and subsequently marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters.
“In an attempt to express their anger, the youths began to throw stones and other dangerous objects at the officers on duty. The Divisional Police Officer and several other police personnel sustained varying degrees of injuries during the unrest. However, normalcy has been restored.”
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