Tragic Christmas: Car Hits Celebrants, Injures 22 In Gombe
BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE
There was tragedy on Christmas day in Gombe State capital as a Sharon bus driver lost control and hit Christians faithful who were on procession from Tumfure community to the government house and Emir’s palace for homage, fatally injuring 22 celebrants.
The incident occurred at 2pm near the popular IMAN restaurant on Bauchi road where the driver suddenly ran into the celebrants as a result of alleged faulty brake, unleashing anxiety and tension.
Our correspondent reports that the incident sparked outrage making the mob to attack the driver who reportedly escaped, smashed and burned his car loaded with rice and other grains to ashes.
The spokesperson of the Gombe State police command, Buhari Abdullahi, also confirmed the incident saying the injured victims were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
He however said that there was no deaths recorded in the incident.
The police spokesman added that the command has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Commissioner of Police directing the command’s Motor Traffic Department to carry out a discreet probe.
The police urged the public to remain calm and a combined team of police officers and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders were containing the situation to prevent any further incidents.
Our correspondent reports that the scene was cordoned of by soldiers, policemen and road safety personnel.
Meanwhile, the state governor Inuwa Yahaya, has sympathised with the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the victims on the tragedy.
He extended the sympathy while addressing the association at the Government House, Gombe Wednesday evening.
The governor also directed that the medical bills of the victims be handled by the state government.
Attached is picture of the burnt vehicle
