TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT SPARKS UNREST IN BILLIRI, GOMBE STATE
Five Dead, Several Injured as Truck Rams into Easter Procession Crowd
By Gombe Reporters | April 21, 2025
Billiri, Gombe State – A tragic road accident in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State has claimed the lives of five people and left several others injured during an Easter season procession on Monday, April 21, 2025.
According to a statement from the Gombe State Police Command, the incident involved a trailer truck transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe, which lost control due to brake failure. The vehicle veered off the road and ploughed into a crowd of Christian faithful gathered for a religious procession in Billiri town. Among the victims were some Muslim residents who were standing nearby.
Police officers from the Billiri Division swiftly responded, rescuing the injured and transporting them to medical facilities. Five individuals—two males and three females—were confirmed dead, while eight others are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and the General Hospital Billiri.
In the aftermath of the accident, tensions flared in the area. A group of angry youths reportedly set the truck ablaze, looted shops, and marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters, where they began hurling stones and dangerous objects at officers on duty. The Divisional Police Officer and several other personnel sustained injuries during the unrest.
Police have since restored normalcy in the area and assured residents that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Command condemns the act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya psc+, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured. He also assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent further disturbances.
Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, avoid mob action, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
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