From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered the release of youths arrested in connection with the violent reaction in the aftermath of the accident that claimed five lives during Easter celebrations in Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred when a trailer truck transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe suffered brake failure and lost control, veering into a group participating in a religious procession to mark the Easter celebration.
Immediately after the accident which left a deep scar on the Billiri community, some aggrieved youths in the area set the vehicle ablaze, looted some people shops and subsequently marched to the Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters. In an attempt to express their anger, the youths began to throw stones and other dangerous objects at the officers on duty. The Divisional Police Officer and several other police personnel sustained varying degrees of injuries during the unrest.
However, in a swift move aimed at restoring calm and addressing the grief of affected families, Governor Yahaya directed the immediate release of the detained youths and also approved a donation of N2 million each to support the bereaved families for the burial of the five deceased.
The Governor made the announcement while speaking during a condolence visit to the Palace of the Mai Tangle at the headquarters of Billiri LGA, where he meet royal father, victims families and other stakeholders including the state CAN chairman.
Governor Yahaya expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, justice, and communal harmony. “This is a time for healing and unity,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with community leaders to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.”
Responding on behalf of the victims families, Bakare Bawasa appreciated the governor for his swift reaction and the financial support, he equally commended the government for extending the gesture to the injured victims by taking charge of their medical bills.
Also speaking during the visit the Mai Tangle, Danladi Sanusi Mayamba commended state authorities for swiftly responding to the distress, providing immediate rescue efforts and conveying the injured victims to the nearest hospital for emergency medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Billiri LGA, Mrs Eglah Idris called for calm urging residents to be law-abiding, avoid taking the law into their hands. “This is an accident and it should seen as God’s doing, therefore we accept it in good faith.