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By Correspondent in Gombe.
A Christmas Day tragedy struck in Gombe State as a commercial bus lost control and plowed into a procession of Christian faithful, leaving 22 people injured. The procession, which involved participants from Tumfure community heading to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for Christmas homage, turned chaotic after the incident near IMAN Restaurant on Bauchi Road around 2 pm.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, suspected to have had brake failure, veered into the crowd, causing panic and tension. The bus, loaded with rice and grains, was later set ablaze by an angry mob after the driver reportedly fled the scene.
The Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident and stated that the victims were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and Specialist Hospital for treatment. He added that there were no fatalities and assured the public that an investigation has been launched. The Command’s Motor Traffic Department has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe.
To maintain order, a combined team of police officers, soldiers, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel cordoned off the area. Leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also worked with security agencies to calm tensions.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed sympathy to the victims and the State chapter of CAN, promising that the government would cover the medical expenses of those injured. Speaking at the Government House, the governor urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
JUST IN: Vehicle Runs Into Christmas Procession, Injures 22 Celebrants In Gombe
There was tragedy on Christmas Day in Gombe State capital as a commercial bus driver lost control of his vehicle and hit Christian faithful who were in a procession from Tumfure community to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for Christmas homage, fatally injuring 22 celebrants on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at about 2pm near the popular IMAN Restaurant on Bauchi Road, where the bus suddenly ran into the celebrants as a result of suspected faulty brake, unleashing anxiety and tension.
Our correspondent reports that the incident sparked outrage in Gombe, prompting a mob to attack the driver who reportedly escaped.
His vehicle loaded with rice and other grains was, however, smashed and burned.
The spokesperson for the Police Command in the State , Buhari Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident, said the injured victims were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and Specialist Hospital, for medical attention.
He, however, said that there was no death recorded in the incident.
The Police Spokesman added that the Command has launched an investigation into the incident, with the State’s Commissioner of Police directing the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MTD) to carry out a discreet probe.
The police urged the public to remain calm as a combined team of police officers and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders were containing the situation to prevent any further incidents.
Our correspondent also reports that the scene was cordoned off by soldiers, policemen and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has sympathised with the State chapter of CAN and the victims on the tragedy.
He extended his sympathy while addressing the Association at the Government House, Gombe, on Wednesday evening.
The governor also directed that the medical bills of the victims be handled by the state government.
