An investigative committee set up by the Gombe State Government has concluded that the deadly truck incident which occurred on Easter Monday in Biliri Local Government Area was not an accident but a deliberate act by the driver.
The tragic event, which saw a trailer truck plough into a Christian procession, left six people dead and dozens critically injured. The ad-hoc panel—comprising both Christian and Muslim representatives—was tasked with uncovering the facts surrounding the incident.
Chairman of the committee, Rambi Ayala, announced the findings on Tuesday, stating:
“The findings happened from the incident when a trailer truck driver carelessly rammed into the last batch of Christians participating in the Easter procession leading to multiple fatalities and severe injuries.”
Ayala confirmed that a total of 36 people were affected by the incident. Of these, 18 are still receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital and the Specialist Hospital in Gombe.
The six individuals who lost their lives have been identified as: Grace David, Clement Lakason, Ephraim Ibrahim, Faida P. Uslas, Rejoice Mela, and Praise Ayuba.
The committee issued several recommendations, including urgent upgrades to medical infrastructure in the region.
“The government should consider constructing or renovating the current general hospitals to help maintain the growing health challenges in the area especially during emergencies like the instant case,” Ayala urged.
The panel also commended the prompt response from emergency services and called for unity among the diverse religious and ethnic communities in the state.
The Gombe State Government has yet to issue a formal statement on possible legal actions against the driver or implementation of the panel’s recommendations.
