The Gombe State Police Command confirmed that a tragic accident occurred during a Christmas procession on Wednesday, when an unidentified driver rammed into participants, injuring many near the Women’s Centre, opposite Orji Estate, along the Gombe-Bauchi motorway.
The procession is an annual tradition where the Christian community during Christmas, pays homage to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
“I think what happened was an accident. The Sharon vehicle involved was overloaded with grains. On the rooftop, it had bags of grains. To say it’s a massacre means it was a deliberate attempt,” Abdullahi stated.
While refusing to mention casualties, Abdullahi stated that those injured had been transported to the State Specialist Hospital and the Federal Teaching Hospital for treatment.
“Nobody has died so far. My colleagues are stationed there to ensure peace is restored and there is no looting. I don’t know the exact number of injured persons, but some have been admitted to the Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe to ensure they get the best medical attention,” he added.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with some alleging fatalities.
Grace David, one of the parishioners, described the horrible encounter.
David stated, “As we approached, we heard that a motorist had run into our parade. He killed and injured several others. We also learnt that he was stoned to death immediately, and those who were injured were transported to the hospital.”
Danladi Jason, another participant, described the procession’s route and the unexpected incident.
He went on: “We started the journey from Tumfure to the Gombe Emir’s palace, only for the man to hit our members and injure many of us,” he recalled.
