Easter Horror in Gombe: Truck Rams Into Worshippers, Killing Five and Injuring 13

A devastating accident overshadowed Easter Monday celebrations in Gombe State as a speeding truck crashed into worshippers returning from early morning prayers in Billiri town, killing five and injuring 13 others. The incident, which occurred around 7:20 a.m. at Tashan Gona in Billiri Local Government Area, has left the community in shock and mourning.

According to Mr. Samson Kaura, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe, a total of 18 people — eight men and ten women — were involved in the crash. Five, including two men and three women, died at the scene, while the others sustained various injuries ranging from fractures to open wounds. Victims were taken to the General Hospital Billiri, Amana Clinic, Lafiya Clinic, and the Gombe Specialist Hospital. The deceased were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary.

Kaura identified speeding as the primary cause of the crash and stressed the importance of obeying the 30 km/h speed limit within populated areas to reduce the severity of accidents.

The truck, which was carrying grains, reportedly lost control before veering into the group of worshippers. The driver fled the scene but was later captured by the police. Enraged locals torched the vehicle and nearly attacked the driver before security operatives intervened to restore calm.

Police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi confirmed the arrest and stated that the situation is now under control, with the road cleared and normalcy restored in the area.