Gombe Governor Visits Billiri, Donates N10 Million to Families of Easter Tragedy Victims
By Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has paid a condolence visit to Billiri Local Government Area following the tragic Easter procession accident that claimed five lives and left several others injured.
During the visit to the palace of the Mai Tangle, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, the Governor expressed his heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, describing the incident as heartbreaking and praying for the souls of the departed as well as the swift recovery of the injured.
In a show of compassion, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced a donation of two million naira to each of the five bereaved families, amounting to a total of ten million naira. He also pledged that the state government would bear the medical expenses of all those currently receiving treatment.
“No right-thinking individual would ever wish such a tragedy upon others,” the Governor said. “This reminds us of the fragility of life and the will of the Almighty God, which we must all submit to.”
Governor Yahaya noted with concern that this marked the third such incident involving religious celebrations in recent times. He called on security agencies and community leaders to draw lessons from the tragedies and implement preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
He also cautioned against acts of lawlessness in the wake of such incidents, warning that any resort to self-help would not be condoned.
“While we grieve, we must remain law-abiding. Security agencies will not tolerate actions that threaten public order,” he stressed.
Responding to appeals made by the Chairman of the Gombe State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Father Alphonsus Shinga, regarding the release of individuals arrested after the incident, the Governor directed the Commissioner of Police to expedite the review process and ensure their prompt release.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and safety for all residents, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He urged organizers of public and religious events to always coordinate with relevant authorities and follow safety procedures.
In their remarks, community and religious leaders commended the Governor’s prompt response. Rev. Shinga expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support, while the Mai Tangle acknowledged the government's proactive measures that helped prevent the situation from escalating.
A grieving family representative, Bakari Bawasa, also thanked the Governor for his compassion and financial assistance, describing it as a much-needed relief in a time of sorrow.
Chairperson of Billiri LGA, Hon. Eglah Idris, lauded the Governor's empathetic leadership, saying, “Your visit and intervention reflect your deep empathy and commitment to justice and peace in Gombe State.”
Governor Yahaya was accompanied by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, members of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, APC State Chairman Mr. Nitte Amangal, as well as commissioners, special advisers, heads of security agencies, and other stakeholders.
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