— Eyewitness video captures moment of fatal accident as police launch investigation
A tragic accident during an Easter procession in Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State, has claimed the lives of five individuals and left eight others seriously injured, igniting widespread outrage and unrest within the community.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when a trailer truck reportedly transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe lost control and rammed into a crowd of worshippers taking part in the annual Christian celebration.
Watch Video: A speeding truck plowed into a peaceful Easter procession, killing 5 Christians
What Happened?
According to the Gombe State Police Command, preliminary investigations suggest that the truck experienced brake failure, veered off the road, and collided with the procession in Billiri town, a predominantly Christian community.
A disturbing video of the scene, shared by social media user @ZariyiYusufu on X (formerly Twitter), shows the immediate aftermath, with bodies scattered and panicked bystanders rushing to aid the wounded. Some Muslim residents who were nearby were also reportedly caught in the chaos.
Casualties Confirmed by Police
In a statement released on Monday, the Gombe State Police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed that five individuals—two men and three women—lost their lives in the incident. The injured were promptly transported to both the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital in Billiri for treatment. Medical reports indicate that all survivors are in stable condition.
Community Uprising and Violent Retaliation
Shortly after the accident, the atmosphere in Billiri turned hostile. Eyewitnesses reported that enraged youths set the trailer ablaze, attacked nearby shops, and stormed the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters in protest. Several officers, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), were injured after being pelted with stones and makeshift weapons.
Police operatives quickly mobilized to contain the situation and prevent further escalation. Additional security personnel were deployed to restore calm and maintain law and order in the area.
Police Condemn Violence, Urge Calm
In a firm response, the Gombe State Police Command condemned the retaliatory violence, describing it as “unlawful and counterproductive.” Commissioner of Police (CP) Bello Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urged community members to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“The Command condemns this act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow justice to take its course,” the statement read.
Investigations into the cause of the accident and the events that followed are ongoing.
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A Pattern of Violence?
Concerns are mounting over the growing pattern of fatal accidents during religious events in Gombe State, with multiple tragic incidents reported in recent years. Social media users, religious leaders, and community stakeholders have expressed deep alarm, urging authorities to act decisively.
This is not an isolated event. On December 25, 2024, a truck rammed into a Christmas procession in the Tumfure area of Gombe, killing 22 worshippers and leaving several others injured. The Christmas Day tragedy bore chilling similarities to a previous incident that occurred in 2019, when a speeding vehicle plowed into an Easter procession, killing 31 Christians in Billiri.
Calls for Government Action
Civic groups and human rights advocates are urging both the Gombe State Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to implement stricter vehicle inspection protocols, particularly for long-haul trucks traveling through residential zones.
In a televised interview on Monday, an official of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe described the event as “an avoidable tragedy that speaks to institutional failure and lack of preparedness.”
The Gombe State Police Command has assured residents that all those responsible—whether through negligence or violence—will be brought to justice.
