Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has visited Billiri Local Government Area to commiserate with families of victims of the Easter Monday tragedy, where five lives were lost during a procession.
During the condolence visit, the governor announced a donation of N10 million to the bereaved families and pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in the incident.
Speaking at the palace of the Mai Tangle, Dr Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, Governor Yahaya described the tragedy as “deeply saddening” and extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State. He said the accident was a painful reminder of the fragility of life and stressed that such events must serve as lessons for better preparedness and coordination in future.
“This is one of those moments that reminds us of the fragility of life and the ultimate will of the Almighty God, which no man can question,” the governor stated.
He announced a donation of N2 million to each of the five affected families and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to foot the medical bills of survivors currently receiving treatment across hospitals in the state. The gesture, he noted, was a show of solidarity and compassion.
Governor Yahaya also called on security agencies, as well as traditional and religious leaders, to reflect on the tragic event and work together to evolve strategies that would prevent similar occurrences.
He noted that this was the third such tragedy during a religious celebration in recent times and warned against lawlessness in its aftermath.
“While we grieve, we must remain law-abiding. Resorting to self-help or taking the law into one’s hands will only worsen the situation, and security agencies will not stand by and allow such actions to go unchecked,” he cautioned.
In response to an appeal from the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe State, Rev. Father Alphonsus Shinga, regarding the release of individuals arrested after the incident, the governor directed the Commissioner of Police to expedite the review and ensure the prompt release of those found innocent.
The Governor also urged organisers of public and religious gatherings to coordinate with authorities and adhere strictly to safety protocols to safeguard lives.
In their remarks, both the CAN Chairman and the Mai Tangle expressed gratitude to the governor. Rev. Father Shinga thanked him for his swift intervention and generous support, while Dr Maiyamba said the prompt response of the state government helped calm tensions in the Tangale Chiefdom following the incident.
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A grieving family representative, Bakari Bawasa, also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the governor’s support, calling it a source of comfort during a time of immense sorrow.
Earlier, the Chairperson of Billiri LGA, Hon. Eglah Idris, welcomed the governor and commended his empathetic leadership, describing his visit as a “balm of comfort” to the bereaved community.
Governor Yahaya was accompanied by top government officials, political leaders, and security chiefs during the visit, including Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, and other senior aides and lawmakers.
The Easter Monday incident had claimed five lives and left several others injured, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous religious celebration.
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