Easter parade: Children crushed to death by NSCDA official in Gombe

A vehicle rammed into a procession of Christians celebrating Easter along Gombe-Biu road in Gombe state on Sunday evening.

Eleven persons were killed in the incident.

The accident was said to have occurred when the driver of the vehicle lost control of it towards central roundabout, and found its way into the procession by Boys’ Brigade.

Witnesses said some of the children killed were from different ECWA churches in Gombe metropolis.

Adams Borkono, state chairman of the Boys Brigade, said the incident happened around 11:30pm when the NSCDC officer and the policeman had an argument with some youth in the procession.

“After exchanging words with the youth, they allowed them to pass. However, the NSCDC who was driving the car made a u-turn, switched off his car’s light and rammed into them from behind, killing eight children on the spot and injured 31 others, Borkono said.

“The unfortunate action provoked other survivors from the tragedy. Therefore they chased the security officers, caught up with them and mobbed them to death.”

Frank Mba, police spokesman, said the accident occurred at Unguwan Waja area of Gombe metropolis.

He said the driver, one Adamu Abdullahi, who is a staff of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as 10 of those in the procession whose identities have not been ascertained were confirmed dead at the hospital.

Mba said Mohammed Adamu, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“Gombe Commissioner of Police visited the scene of the accident to have an on -the-spot assessment as well as the hospital to monitor the treatment of the victims,” he said in a statement.

“The IGP, while condoling the families and friends of the dead and the injured victim, has advised motorists to exercise utmost caution by obeying all traffic signs, rules and regulations while driving especially this festive period and beyond.”