GOMBE, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — A suspected terrorist attack left 22 people injured Wednesday after a vehicle rammed into a Christian procession in Tumfure Community, near Gombe, police said.
The Gombe State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, stating no fatalities were recorded. “The injured are receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital in Gombe,” Abdullahi said in a statement.
The crash occurred around 2 p.m. as Christian faithful from Tumfure, escorted by police, were on a procession to the Emir’s Palace and the Government House.
“Suddenly, a Sharon bus loaded with bags of rice and driven by a yet-to-be-identified person lost control and rammed into the procession,” Abdullahi said.
An angry mob burned the vehicle, while the driver fled the scene, he added, assuring that efforts were underway to apprehend the suspect.
Shamsuddeen Kachalla, a leader of the procession, disputed the police’s casualty figure, claiming over 40 people were injured. “I have confirmed 12 injured persons at FTH and 28 at the Specialist Hospital,” Kachalla told reporters at the hospital.
“This procession has been ongoing for years without incidents. The driver could have hit the vehicles ahead but chose to drive into the crowd,” Kachalla said, expressing frustration.
In a separate statement, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State visited victims and called for calm, urging Christian and Muslim residents to maintain peace. Yahaya extended his sympathies during a Christmas homage by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Government House.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures for public events, particularly during the festive season.
