The Christian Association of Nigeria in Gombe State has expressed deep sadness over the death of five worshippers in a road accident that happened on Easter Monday in Billiri.
The victims were among a group of Christians returning from a mountain where they had gone to pray and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as is done every Easter.
Chairman of Gombe CAN, Reverend Joseph Shinga, asked for calm and patience from the public while the group gathers all the facts about the sad incident.
“I urge for calm, we need the public to be patient as we understand the situation. We can’t be hasty in our conclusion,” Shinga said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the police confirmed that the crash involved a truck and happened along the Billiri-Gombe Road.
FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Samson Kaura, said 18 people were involved—eight men and 10 women. Five of them, including two men and three women, died in the accident.
He added that 13 others suffered different injuries, including broken bones and open wounds. The injured were taken to several hospitals, including the General Hospital, Amana, Lafiya Clinic in Billiri, and Gombe Specialist Hospital.
Mr Kaura blamed the crash on speeding and advised drivers to keep to a 30km/h speed limit, especially in towns and busy areas.
He also confirmed that the truck driver had been arrested and would face the law.
Police Public Relations Officer in Gombe, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the truck, which was carrying grains, ran into the last group of worshippers returning from the prayer ground.
He explained that the angry crowd set the truck on fire and nearly attacked the driver, but police officers quickly stepped in and saved him.
“For now, everything is calm and motorists are now plying the route and there is no cause for panic,” Abdullahi said.
He added that 21 people were currently receiving treatment in different hospitals, and warned against spreading false information.
“It’s unfortunate that some persons are reporting different figures,” he said. “It’s untrue for some to say that there wasn’t a police presence because without security, the matter would have gone out of hand.”
