By Willies Ugo, Gombe
Billiri, Gombe State – April 24, 2025
The Tangale community, both at home and in the diaspora, has strongly rejected the Gombe State Police Command’s account of the tragic Easter Monday accident that claimed five lives and left many others injured in Billiri town.
The incident occurred on the Gombe-Yola highway when a trailer reportedly ploughed into a group of Christian youths participating in an Easter procession. In a statement issued later that day, the Gombe State Police attributed the accident to a mechanical failure, specifically brake failure, stating that the truck veered off the road and struck members of the crowd, including some Muslim residents watching the procession from the roadside.
However, in a joint press conference held Tuesday, representatives of the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Kwagam Tangale Socio-Cultural Association (KTSCA), and Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) described the police account as “reckless and a blatant lie,” accusing the authorities of spreading misinformation and downplaying the nature of the tragedy.
Comrade Danladi Bako, President of the TCDA and a former Chairman of the Gombe State Nigeria Labour Congress, who addressed the media, alleged that the police were complicit in the handling of the event and demanded a retraction of the official statement.
“We have video evidence that contradicts the police version,” Bako said. “The trailer did not veer off the road—it drove straight into the crowd from behind. There was no use of a horn to warn the celebrants, and the vehicle only came to a stop after mowing down several victims.”
Bako further dismissed claims that Muslim bystanders were among the casualties. “No Muslim was affected. This was a targeted hit on peaceful Christian celebrants,” he said, warning that the police narrative could incite religious tensions in the community.
The community also raised questions about the absence of police traffic control during the well-known annual procession, noting that authorities had been informed of the event in advance. “Where were the police? And how did they conclude brake failure without an investigation?” Bako asked.
The groups criticized the poor state of healthcare infrastructure in Billiri, stating that the local General Hospital was ill-equipped to handle such emergencies, forcing victims to be transported to hospitals in Gombe metropolis.
While acknowledging the Gombe State Government’s offer to assist with medical bills and funeral costs, the Tangale community is calling on the Federal Government to install speed breakers along the highway passing through Billiri town to prevent future incidents.
They also demanded the immediate release of all those arrested in connection with the protest that followed the accident and urged security agencies to halt further detentions.
“This is not just a call for justice,” Bako concluded. “It is a demand for truth, accountability, and the protection of all citizens regardless of their faith or background.”
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