A Christmas procession turned tragic on Wednesday when an unidentified driver rammed into participants near the Women’s Centre, opposite Orji Estate, along the Gombe-Bauchi expressway.
The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the incident, which disrupted an annual tradition where the Christian community pays homage to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The procession began in Tumfure and was en route to the Emir’s palace when the incident occurred.
Speaking on the incident, Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, clarified that the event was an accident, dismissing claims of a deliberate attack.
“The Sharon vehicle involved was overloaded with grains. To say it’s a massacre means it was a deliberate attempt. What happened was an accident,” he stated.
DSP Abdullahi declined to specify the number of casualties but assured the public that injured victims were receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital.
He also confirmed no deaths had been reported as of press time.
“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 we are making sure they get the best medical attention,” Abdullahi said.
The incident casts a somber tone over the Christmas celebrations in Gombe and highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria.
The police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.