Governor Yahaya Mourns As 5 Die In Gombe Auto Crash

At least five persons have died following a fatal auto crash involving a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker at Lawanti Village in Akko local government area of Gombe State on Sunday.

The victims were identified as Babayo Bello Konkeje (60), Ahmadu Adamu Konkeje (43), Yahaya M. Manu Konkeje (40), Haruna Abdu Shulto (45), and Yana Alhaji Jarami Dunumari (51). The tragedy also left several others injured.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who attended the funeral prayers held at the palace of the District Head of Lawanti for the deceased victims, described the incident as a devastating loss to the entire state.

“We are here to share in the deep pain and sorrow of the Lawanti community over the tragic loss of five innocent lives in this unfortunate incident,” Governor Yahaya said.

“On behalf of myself, the Government and the good people of Gombe State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”

Governor Yahaya also condoled with the community over another loss — the death of seven Lawanti indigenes who were involved in a separate fatal incident while travelling to Maiduguri in December 2025 — noting that the cumulative tragedies have deeply saddened the state.

“This is not only a loss to Lawanti; it is a loss to the entire state. Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in both incidents. We pray that Allah grants you the strength to bear these painful losses,” he added.

The governor offered prayers to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and give their families and the community the fortitude to endure the irreparable losses.

Governor Yahaya assured the people that the state government would take concrete steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.

As part of the interventions, he announced a donation of N5 million to the families of the deceased to assist with burial and related expenses.

The District Head of Lawanti, Alhaji Bello Hassan, expressed gratitude to the governor for attending the funeral, sharing in their grief, and providing financial support.