A tragic accident disrupted a Christmas procession in Gombe on Wednesday when an unidentified driver rammed into participants, leaving many injured.
According to The PUNCH, the incident occurred near the Women’s Centre, opposite Orji Estate, along the Gombe-Bauchi expressway.
The annual procession, during which the Christian community honors the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was underway when the vehicle struck the crowd. Participants from Tumfure were en route to the Emir’s palace when the crash happened.
Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, described the incident as an accident and dismissed claims that it was a deliberate attack.
“I believe this was an accident. The Sharon vehicle involved was overloaded with grains, with more bags placed on its rooftop. Calling it a massacre would imply intent, which does not appear to be the case,” Abdullahi clarified.
While declining to disclose the exact number of casualties, Abdullahi confirmed that injured persons had been transported to the State Specialist Hospital and the Federal Teaching Hospital for medical care.
“No deaths have been reported so far. Our officers are on the scene to maintain peace and prevent any unrest. Injured individuals are receiving treatment at the hospitals to ensure they get proper care,” he added.
Eyewitnesses, however, painted a grim picture of the aftermath. Grace David, a participant in the procession, recounted the chaos.
“As we were walking, we heard that a driver had run into the crowd, killing and injuring several people. Some even said the driver was stoned to death on the spot, and the injured were rushed to the hospital,” she said.
Another participant, Danladi Jason, shared details of the procession and the sudden disruption.
“We began our journey from Tumfure to the Emir’s palace, only for the vehicle to plow into the crowd and injure many of our members,” Jason stated.
Police assured residents that officers were deployed to maintain order and prevent any escalation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
