A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Gombe State on Easter Monday as an articulated truck loaded with goods ploughed into a joyful procession of Easter celebrants in Billiri Local Government Area, leaving several people feared dead and many others seriously injured.
The horrific incident unfolded along the Tashan Gona axis, as the group—mostly comprising youths and children—was returning from a mountain prayer retreat, a cherished tradition marking the Easter celebration in the region.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as apocalyptic. Bodies were reportedly mangled beyond recognition, and the ground soaked in blood. Shrieks of agony echoed through the area as the wounded lay scattered, some gasping for life, others already lifeless.
“Many of those affected are youths and children. The scene is an eyesore—some of the victims died on the spot, and others were rushed to the hospital,” a visibly shaken eyewitness told SaharaReporters. “The driver managed to escape into the Billiri police station.”
Angered by the sheer carnage, enraged youths at the scene set the truck ablaze, vowing justice for the victims. The driver, whose identity remains unknown, was said to have fled immediately after the crash and sought refuge at the Billiri Police Station, further intensifying local outrage.
At the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to release an official statement. Repeated attempts to reach the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Buhari, proved futile, as calls and text messages went unanswered.
This tragic event has plunged the community into mourning and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, especially during religious gatherings that draw large crowds.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
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