What was meant to be a joyful Easter celebration in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State turned into a tragic scene over the weekend, as a trailer truck lost control and crashed into a crowd, killing five people and injuring eight others. The accident, which occurred on Easter Sunday, has sparked outrage in the community, with some angry residents taking to the streets in protest.
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday. According to police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the accident was caused by a brake failure in the truck, which was transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe.
The trailer, reportedly fully loaded with sacks of grain, lost control while descending into Billiri town. Eyewitnesses said the driver tried to swerve but ended up ploughing into a group of people who had gathered to mark the Easter celebration. Tragically, the truck also struck bystanders, including Muslim residents who happened to be nearby at the time.
DSP Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, confirmed that two men and three women were killed on the spot. The eight injured victims were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the General Hospital in Billiri. Medical personnel say the injured are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.
Following the accident, tensions rose quickly in the town. Aggrieved youths took to the streets, setting the trailer on fire and attacking nearby shops. The Billiri Divisional Police Headquarters was also targeted, with protesters throwing stones and other objects at officers. Several police personnel, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), sustained injuries during the chaos.
Police reinforcements were quickly deployed to the area to restore peace. The Gombe State Police Command described the response by the Billiri Division as prompt and effective in preventing further destruction.
“The Command condemns the act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” the statement read.
Police have launched a full investigation into the incident. They are looking into not only the cause of the brake failure but also whether the vehicle was roadworthy. The truck driver, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is said to be assisting with the investigation.
Authorities are also examining reports that the vehicle may have been overloaded, a common issue with haulage trucks across Nigerian roads. Poor vehicle maintenance and overloading have been cited in many similar accidents in recent years.
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
“The pain and sorrow this has caused are unimaginable. I appeal to our people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. Let us not let our grief turn into further violence,” he said in a message delivered through the police spokesperson.
The Commissioner also urged the public to report any suspicious activity and to avoid taking the law into their own hands. He reassured residents that steps would be taken to ensure that justice is served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
This is not the first time that a truck has caused fatalities in Nigeria due to brake failure or reckless driving. Across the country, such incidents have become all too common, particularly in areas with poor road infrastructure and a lack of proper traffic regulation enforcement.
Residents of Billiri are calling on the state and federal governments to take urgent action. Some community leaders are demanding better regulation of commercial trucks and stricter penalties for drivers and companies that fail to meet safety standards.
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives like this,” said Mr. James Pam, a local youth leader in Billiri. “People came out to celebrate Easter with joy, but it turned into mourning. The government must wake up.”
Others have urged the Gombe State Ministry of Works and Transport to launch an immediate audit of roadworthiness among heavy-duty vehicles operating in the state.
As the community mourns, authorities say security has been reinforced in Billiri to prevent further protests or violence. Police are patrolling the area, and peace has been largely restored as of Tuesday.
