From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
Twenty-two persons have been confirmed injured when a Sharon vehicle loaded with bags of rice lost control and crashed into a procession on Christmas Day.
The incident occurred along Bauchi Road in Gombe during a Christmas procession by Christian faithful from Tumfure Community.
The procession, escorted by police officials, was heading towards the emir’s palace and the government house.
According to a press release from the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the victims were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre and the Specialist Hospital in Gombe for medical treatment.
The vehicle was set on fire by an angry mob while the driver fled to an unknown location.
The police confirmed that combined teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations for the Gombe Command and the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state were actively monitoring the situation. The atmosphere is now calm, with ongoing patrols and procession monitoring.
The command urged the people of the state to remain calm as the Commissioner of Police has directed the Motor Traffic Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
