Driver rams vehicle into Yuletide procession, state govt to pay medical bills of those injured
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A commercial bus driver on Wednesday lost control and rammed the vehicle into a Christian procession from Tumfure community to Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace, inflicting wounds on 22 people.
The incident occurred at about 2pm near the popular IMAN Restaurant on Bauchi Road, where the bus suddenly ran into the celebrants as a result of suspected faulty brake, unleashing anxiety and tension.
The incident sparked outrage, prompting a mob to attack the driver who reportedly escaped, according Leadership newspaper.
His vehicle, loaded with rice and other grains, was smashed and burned.
State Police Command spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi confirmed the incident and disclosed that those injured were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
No one died in the incident, he clarified.
Abdullahi added that the command has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Commissioner of Police directing the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) to carry out a discreet probe.
The police urged the public to remain calm as a combined team of police officers and state Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders are containing the situation to prevent escalation.
The scene has been cordoned off by soldiers, policemen and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya has sympathised with the State chapter of CAN and the victims on the tragedy.
He expressed his sympathy while addressing state CAN officials at the Government House and directed that the medical bills of the victims be paid by the state government.
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