A somber Easter celebration turned tragic on Monday when a trailer transporting goods rammed into a group of worshippers during a procession along the Gombe?Yola Federal Highway in the Billiri Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the accident claimed five lives and left several others injured.

Reacting to the incident, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

The tragedy Ignited unrest in the area as irate youths took to the streets.

Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer involved in the crash was set ablaze by an angry crowd, who also demanded the release of the driver from police custody.

Tensions quickly escalated into clashes between the protesters and the police, leading to the looting of shops and theft of motorcycles across parts of Billiri.

The police, however, eventually brought the situation under control and restored calm to the area.

Governor Yahaya, in a statement issued Monday, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and the Christian community in Billiri, pledging that the state government would ensure justice is served.

According to authorities, investigations have begun to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the tragedy.

Officials have also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and allow due process to prevail.

?We will come out of this tragedy more united,? the governor stated, calling for calm and collective healing.

?This is a time for restraint, not revenge. Let the authorities do their work,? a police spokesperson urged.

In December 2024, a Sharon vehicle plowed into a Christmas procession, resulting in fatalities.

Similarly, in 2019, members of the Boys Brigade were killed after being struck by a vehicle during an Easter march.

The recurring tragedies have intensified calls for stronger safety measures during religious events and tighter traffic control on major routes during festive seasons. (Channels TV)

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