At least four people have been confirmed dead and eight others injured following a tragic road accident that occurred on Easter Monday in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
According to the Gombe State Police Command, the incident happened as Christian worshippers, mostly youths and children, were descending a mountain after participating in a symbolic Easter retreat commemorating the meeting with Jesus Christ in Galilee.
The event, which drew a large number of faithful, turned bloody when a truck loaded with grains lost control and ploughed into the crowd.
Police spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the fatalities to reporters, stating, “Four died — two males and two females. Eight victims were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital, Billiri, where they are currently receiving treatment.”
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the horrifying moment. “As the people were coming down from the mountain, celebrating and singing, the truck suddenly came speeding down the road and rammed into them. It was chaos — some people were crushed instantly, others were thrown aside,” the source said.
The deadly crash triggered immediate outrage within the community. Enraged youths reportedly set the truck ablaze and stormed the Divisional Police Headquarters in Billiri, demanding the release of the truck driver, who had been taken into custody. Tensions ran high as the protest escalated.
To quell the unrest and prevent further breakdown of law and order, a combined team of security personnel, including the police and other sister agencies, was swiftly deployed to the scene.
Authorities have since restored calm to the area and initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
The Gombe State Police Command urged residents to remain peaceful and allow the law to take its course, assuring the public that justice would be served.
As the community mourns the tragic loss, many are calling for stricter safety regulations on roads used by heavy-duty vehicles, especially during major religious events and gatherings.