22 Injured as vehicle rams into Christmas procession in Gombe
A Volkswagen Sharon vehicle, loaded with bags of rice, veered off the road and collided with a group of Christian worshippers participating in the procession.
By Idris Temidayo
The Gombe police command has confirmed that 22 people were injured after a vehicle rammed into a Christmas procession in the Tumfure area of the state.
Buhari Abdullahi, the police spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred at about 2 pm along Bauchi Road.
According to Abdullahi, a Volkswagen Sharon vehicle, loaded with bags of rice, veered off the road and collided with a group of Christian worshippers participating in the procession.
The procession, which was escorted by police officers, was en route to the Emir of Gombe’s palace and the government house to deliver Christmas homage.
Abdullahi explained that the driver of the vehicle lost control before crashing into the crowd.
The driver, whose identity remains unknown, fled the scene immediately after the incident. In response, an angry mob set the vehicle ablaze.
“No lives were lost, but about 22 individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Abdullahi said, adding that the injured were promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre and the specialist hospital in Gombe for treatment.
A combined team of security personnel and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was deployed to the scene to restore peace and maintain order.
The police spokesperson also confirmed that efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the fleeing driver.
Meanwhile, the state police commissioner has instructed the motor traffic department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Abdullahi called on residents of Gombe to remain calm and assured them of the command’s commitment to justice and public safety.
