A trailer who lost control and plowed into a crowd has left five people dead and eight others injured. This was during a solemn Easter procession in Billiri town of Gombe state which turned into a tragedy and led to unrest.
According to a statement from the Gombe State Police Command, the truck carrying grains from Adamawa State suffered brake failure as it approached the gathering of Christian faithful observing their annual Easter celebration.
The vehicle veered off the road and struck multiple individuals, including bystanders, some of whom were Muslim residents.
Emergency responders from the Billiri Police Division arrived at the scene promptly, rescuing victims and rushing them to nearby hospitals.
Medical personnel later confirmed the deaths of five individuals, two males and three females. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and the General Hospital in Billiri, with reports indicating positive recovery progress.
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In the aftermath, aggrieved youths reportedly set the truck ablaze and marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters in protest.
Tensions escalated as the protesters hurled stones and other dangerous objects at officers, resulting in injuries to the Divisional Police Officer and several other personnel.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya condemned the violence and appealed for calm, emphasizing the need to allow law enforcement to carry out a thorough investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, and we wish the injured a swift recovery,” CP Yahaya stated. “Security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further disturbances.”
The Police Command is urging the public to remain law-abiding and avoid any form of reprisal or self-help. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to nearby authorities as investigations continue.
