JUST-IN: Vehicle Runs Into Christmas Procession, Injures 22 Celebrants In Gombe

Tragedy struck in Gombe State on Christmas Day as a commercial bus lost control and rammed into a Christian procession, injuring 22 celebrants.

The procession, which involved Christian faithful from Tumfure community heading to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for Christmas homage, was disrupted when the bus, reportedly due to a brake failure, veered into the celebrants near IMAN Restaurant on Bauchi Road around 2 pm.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the accident caused panic and led to outrage among residents. A mob attacked the driver, who managed to flee the scene. The vehicle, loaded with rice and other grains, was vandalized and set ablaze by angry onlookers.

The Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident and said the injured victims were promptly taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and Specialist Hospital for treatment. He assured the public that no fatalities had been recorded.

The Police Command has launched an investigation into the accident, with the Motor Traffic Department conducting a thorough probe. Security forces, including soldiers, police, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel, cordoned off the area to maintain order and prevent further escalation.

The Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed his sympathies to the victims and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a meeting at the Government House. The governor also directed that the state government cover all medical expenses for the injured.

Efforts by law enforcement and community leaders are ongoing to ensure calm and prevent similar occurrences in the future.