A tragic turn of events unfolded during a Christmas procession in Gombe State on Wednesday afternoon when a car lost control and plowed into a group of Christian faithful. Police spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi said that 22 people sustained injuries, but thankfully, no lives were lost, local media reported.
The incident occurred around 2 pm as a Sharon bus, reportedly loaded with bags of rice, veered off course and rammed into the procession from the Tumfure community. The injured were promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre and Specialist Hospital for treatment.
Tensions rose among bystanders, leading to the mob setting the vehicle ablaze. The driver, who fled the scene, remains at large, and police efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his sympathies to the victims, urging calm and peaceful coexistence. During a Christmas visit by the state leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity among all communities in Gombe.