What was meant to be a day of peace and celebration turned into a scene of horror on Christmas Day when a vehicle rammed into a Christian procession in the Tumfure area, near Gombe city, leaving at least 22 people injured.
The attack, which occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the Gombe State community. As Christian faithful, including members of the Boys’ Brigade and local religious groups, made their way towards the Emir’s Palace for a festive procession, they were suddenly struck by a vehicle, described as a Sharon bus, loaded with sacks of rice. According to witnesses and local authorities, the driver of the vehicle, whose identity remains unknown, lost control before veering into the procession.
“We were on our usual Christmas procession, walking peacefully when the vehicle came speeding towards us,” said Shamsuddeen Kachalla, the leader of the procession and a member of the Boys’ Brigade. “I tried to flag it down, but it was too late. It hit people before anyone could react. It was like the driver had no intention of avoiding us.”
The Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The scene was chaotic, as 22 individuals, ranging from children to the elderly, were left injured by the impact. According to police reports, no one died in the crash, but several sustained severe injuries. “We received reports of 22 injured persons. They were immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) and the Specialist Hospital in Gombe for treatment,” said ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the police spokesperson.
Eyewitnesses, including Kachalla, expressed disbelief that such an incident could occur during the long-standing procession, which has been held every Christmas for decades. “This was the first time something like this has ever happened,” Kachalla noted. “We don’t know if the driver lost control or if it was intentional, but we believe he could have avoided hitting us. It seemed like the driver deliberately steered into the crowd instead of swerving away.”
Reports from both hospitals confirmed that 40 individuals were receiving treatment for varying degrees of injury. “There are 12 people here at FTH, while 28 are being treated at Specialist Hospital,” Kachalla said, adding that many of the injured sustained broken bones, bruises, and in some cases, head injuries.
The situation quickly escalated when an angry mob, enraged by the crash, set fire to the vehicle. “The crowd was furious. People were shouting and demanding justice for those who were hurt. They set the car on fire after the driver fled,” a local resident recounted. The driver managed to escape the scene before the mob arrived, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Governor Calls for Calm and Peace
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep shock over the incident, offering condolences to the victims and their families. “This is a tragic event, especially on a day meant for joy and peace. I assure you that the authorities are doing everything to find the driver,” the Governor said in a statement.
Governor Yahaya also urged the people of Gombe to remain calm, particularly the youth, and avoid retaliatory actions. “Let this be a time for peace, not violence. We must continue to foster peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in this state. Our unity is our strength,” he added, speaking during a Christmas homage by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Gombe State Chapter at the Government House.
Despite the governor’s plea for calm, tensions remain high in the state. The mob’s reaction to the crash, as well as the injury toll, has sparked a wave of concern among residents, particularly regarding the safety of public processions during religious festivals.
Concerns Over Safety During Religious Events
The incident in Tumfure raises significant concerns about the safety of religious gatherings in Gombe State. The Christmas procession, which is traditionally a peaceful event, has now become the subject of scrutiny, as authorities and religious leaders alike grapple with the implications of the attack.
Speaking from the Specialist Hospital, Dr. Aisha Bello, a senior medical officer, described the trauma suffered by the victims. “Most of them are stable now, but we are still monitoring their condition. It was a dreadful scene, and many of the injured are in shock, both physically and emotionally,” she said.
The procession had been well-coordinated with a police escort, raising questions about how such an incident could happen despite the presence of security. “We had officers with us, and we were all in the procession when it happened,” said Kachalla. “The police have been supportive, but we need to understand what went wrong.”
While the police have promised to pursue the driver and bring him to justice, the community is left grappling with the aftermath. A police source confirmed that an investigation is underway, though no arrests had been made at the time of writing. “We are actively searching for the driver of the Sharon bus, and once apprehended, we will ensure that justice is served,” ASP Abdullahi stated.
