Easter Monday Tragedy: Gombe Community Declares 14-day Mourning

The Tangale community in Gombe State has declared a 14-day mourning period in Billiri town to honour the victims of Easter Monday’s accident that claimed the lives of five worshippers.

The community made the declaration under their social groups comprising Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Kwagam Tangale Socio-Cultural Association (KTSCA), and Tangale Community Overseas (TCO).

Five members of the community who were celebrating the symbolic Easter Monday procession were killed when a truck rammed into the crowd, killing them instantly and injuring other worshippers.

Addressing journalists in Billiri, spokesperson for the groups, Comrade Danladi Bako, expressed sadness over the incident and said the groups have also called for suspension of all ceremonies including weddings as part of measures to honour the departed souls.

Bako also criticised the police for allegedly not deploying adequate personnel to protect the celebrants during the procession ‘despite being informed’.

Similarly, the spokesperson accused personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of their absence to control traffic and redirect vehicles from the procession which he noted would have prevented the tragedy.