The Gombe state command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed a fatal truck crash that occurred in Billiri, Gombe State, on Monday. The police command confirmed that four person died in the crash while eight person are receiving treatment with varying degrees of injuries.
The Easter Monday crash includes Christians who were returning from a mountain climb which was held to symbolize the biblical meeting with Jesus Christ in Galilee.
Buhari Abdullahi, the official spokesperson of the police command while confirming the incident said, “Four died — two males and two females. Eight victims were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital, Billiri, where they are recovering.”
An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said, “As the people, mostly youths and children, were descending from the mountain, a truck loaded with grains heading towards Gombe ploughed into them, crushing many to death.”
There was an ensuing outrage by youths in the community who set the truck on fire and stormed the Police Divisional Headquarters demanding for the release of the truck driver.
However, a combined team of security operatives was deployed to the scene to forestall further escalation as well as breakdown of law and order.