The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed that five people lost their lives and eight others were injured after a grain-laden truck, traveling from Yola to Gombe, suffered brake failure and crashed into a group of Christian worshippers during an Easter procession in Billiri town.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims—two males and three females—were part of a larger procession taking part in an annual Easter ritual symbolizing the biblical encounter with Jesus in Galilee. The accident occurred along a busy route as the group were descending from the mountain.
The truck, reportedly transporting grains, veered off the road and crashed into the crowd. The driver was said to have lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal incident.
Emergency responders rushed the injured to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe and the General Hospital in Billiri, where they are currently receiving treatment.
In a disturbing turn of events following the crash, angry youths set the truck ablaze and launched an attack on the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters. Several officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, sustained injuries.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Police Command, CP Bello Yahaya condoled with the victims’ families, wished the injured a swift recovery, and assured the public that security has been tightened to prevent further unrest.
