•FRSC officials at an accident scene
The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed that a tragic accident occurred during a Christmas procession today, when an unidentified driver rammed into participants, injuring many near the Women’s Centre, opposite Orji Estate, along the Gombe-Bauchi expressway.
The procession, an annual tradition where the Christian community pays homage to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was disrupted when the vehicle struck the crowd, reports The PUNCH.
Participants from Tumfure were en route to the Emir’s ground when the incident occurred.
Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, clarified the situation, dismissing reports of the tragic incident being a massacre.
“I think what happened was an accident. The Sharon vehicle involved was overloaded with grains. On the rooftop, it had bags of grains. To say it’s a massacre means it was a deliberate attempt,” Abdullahi stated.
While declining to specify casualties, Abdullahi assured that those injured had been taken to the State Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital for treatment.
“Nobody has died so far. My colleagues are stationed there to ensure peace is restored and there is no looting. I don’t know the exact number of injured persons, but some have been admitted to the Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe to ensure they get the best medical attention,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene, with some claiming fatalities.
Grace David, one of the parishioners, shared the harrowing experience. David said, “As we were coming, we heard that a driver ran into our procession. He killed and injured some people. We also heard that he was stoned to death immediately, and those who sustained injuries were taken to the hospital.”
Danladi Jason, another participant, narrated the procession’s route and the abrupt incident.
He said, “We started the journey from Tumfure to the Gombe Emir’s palace, only for the man to hit our members and injure many of us,” he said.
