There was a tragedy on Christmas day in the Gombe State capital as a Sharon bus driver lost control and hit Christian faithful who were on a procession from the 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 an alleged faulty brake, unleashing anxiety and tension.
Our correspondent reports that the incident sparked outrage, making the mob 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 no deaths were 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 contained the situation to prevent further incidents.
Our correspondent reports that soldiers, policemen and road safety personnel cordoned off the scene.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has sympathised with the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the victims of the tragedy.
He extended the sympathy while addressing the association at the Government House, Gombe, Wednesday evening. The governor also directed that the state government handle the victims’ medical bills.
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