The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe has appealed for calm following the death of five persons in a fatal automobile crash in Billiri, Gombe State.
The accident occurred on Easter Monday when some Christians were returning from a mountain they had climbed to symbolise the meeting of Jesus Christ in Galilee.
Chairman, Gombe CAN, Rev Joseph Shinga, mourned the deaths, saying that the association was gathering its facts before making public its thoughts.
“I urge for calm, we need the public to be patient as we understand the situation. We can’t be hasty in our conclusion,” Shinga added.
The Federal Road Safety Corps and the police confirmed that five persons died in the lone crash involving a truck on the Billiri-Gombe Road in Gombe State.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe State, Mr Samson Kaura, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
According to him, 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising eight male adults and 10 female adults.
He said out of the 18, five comprising two male adults and three female adults were killed while 10 female adults and three male adults sustained fractures and open wounds.
He said that the cause of the crash was speed violations, hence urged motorists to always maintain a 30 km/h speed limit in built-up areas so as to reduce the impact of crashes and casualties.
Kaura said that the truck driver had been apprehended by the personnel of the Police in the Billiri Division for prosecution.
On his part, the Police Public Relations Officer in Gombe State, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the truck hit some persons who were part of the last batch coming from the Easter prayer ground to their various locations.
He said that the truck which he said was loaded with grains, was immediately set ablaze by residents of the area and an attempt was made to kill the driver, but for the swift intervention of the police.
“For now, everything is calm and motorists are now plying the route and there is no cause for panic,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the crash created tension in Billiri but with the quick intervention of security personnel, the situation was brought under control.
Abdullahi, in a chat with our correspondent, said 21 persons are currently hospitalised.
He said, “The death row is now five and 21 persons are receiving treatment. We are on top of the situation to ensure it doesn’t escalate.”
He warned those with claims that scores were killed, adding, “It’s unfortunate that some persons are reporting different figures. It’s untrue for some to say that there wasn’t a police presence because without security, the matter would have gone out of hand.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.