Truck’s Brakes Fail, Kills 5, Injures Others During Easter Celebration
A devastating accident during an Easter celebration in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State has resulted in the deaths of five individuals and left eight others injured, leading to widespread public anger and violent demonstrations.
In a statement released on Monday, the Gombe State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred when a trailer truck carrying grains from Adamawa State to Gombe experienced brake failure.
The driver lost control, ploughing into a crowd of Easter celebrants in Billiri town. The accident also injured several Muslim residents who happened to be nearby at the time.
The tragic event has ignited unrest in the area, as residents voiced their frustrations over what they described as preventable negligence.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and have promised swift action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who issued the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Bello Yahaya psc+, confirmed that the accident resulted in the deaths of two men and three women.
Eight other victims were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital in Billiri, where they are currently receiving treatment and reported to be in stable condition.
In the wake of the incident, tensions flared in the town. Aggrieved youths reportedly set the trailer ablaze, looted shops, and stormed the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters. The protesters threw stones and other objects at officers, resulting in injuries to the Divisional Police Officer and several personnel.
Police operatives from Billiri Division responded swiftly to the emergency and helped restore order, the Command said. Security presence has since been reinforced to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
“The Command condemns the act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. Investigations are currently ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
Commissioner Bello Yahaya extended his condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed.