TRUCK ACCIDENT DURING EASTER PROCESSION CLAIMS LIVES IN BILLIRI, SPARKS UNREST
Governor Inuwa Yahaya Mourns Victims, Vows Justice as Police Restore Calm
By Gombe Reporters | April 21, 2025
Billiri, Gombe State – Tragedy struck the town of Billiri in Gombe State on Monday, April 21, 2025, when a trailer truck transporting grains from Adamawa State lost control and rammed into a crowd of Christian worshippers celebrating the Easter season. The accident claimed five lives and left eight others injured, prompting widespread grief and a brief public disturbance.
According to the Gombe State Police Command, the trailer reportedly suffered brake failure while descending into the town, where Christian faithful were on a religious procession. The vehicle veered off the road, crashing into the procession and some Muslim bystanders along the route.
Police operatives from the Billiri Division responded swiftly, rescuing victims and conveying them to nearby medical facilities. Five people—two males and three females—were confirmed dead, while the injured are receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and General Hospital Billiri.
In the chaotic aftermath, angry youths set the vehicle ablaze, looted several shops, and marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters, where they hurled stones and dangerous objects at officers. Several police personnel, including the Divisional Police Officer, sustained injuries. Authorities have since restored normalcy.
“The Command condemns this act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” said DSP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson of the Gombe State Police Command. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further unrest.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya Reacts: “This is a Dark and Painful Moment”
Reacting to the incident, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, expressed deep sorrow and described the tragedy as “heartbreaking and regrettable.” He offered condolences to the affected families and promised full government support to the victims.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christian community in Billiri and beyond,” Governor Yahaya said in a public statement.
The Governor also directed health officials to ensure the injured receive the best medical care, and ordered an immediate investigation into the accident. He vowed that those found responsible for the incident would be held accountable.
“We will ensure that justice is served. Decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” he added.
Amid rising tensions in the community, Governor Yahaya appealed for peace, urging residents not to allow grief to fuel further violence or disrupt the peace the state is known for.
“Let us resist the temptation to respond to tragedy with anger. Gombe is known for its harmony and tolerance—we will overcome this through compassion and unity,” the Governor concluded.
He also directed security agencies to work closely with community leaders to maintain calm and promote mutual understanding.
Background & Outlook
The incident has sent shockwaves through Gombe State, a region known for its inter-religious harmony and communal peacebuilding efforts. This tragic event comes as Christians and Muslims alike were marking significant religious periods, heightening the emotional impact of the accident.
As investigations continue, the government has assured the public that transparency, justice, and healing will be at the heart of its response.
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