A total of 13 passengers have died, while five others sustained injuries in an auto crash that involved a Kano line vehicle which departed Gombe for Kano at the weekend.
A statement by Ìsmail Uba Missilli, Director General, Press Affairs, Gombe State Government House, confirmed the accident.
In his message of condolences, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident.
Yahaya described the incident as heartbreaking and a monumental loss, not only to the families of the deceased,but also to the entire nation.
“This is deeply painful. The loss of 12 precious lives in a single incident is devastating. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased and all those affected by this sad event. I also wish the injured passengers a speedy and complete recovery,” the Governor said.
He commiserated with the families of the victims, urging them to take solace in the will of the Almighty Allah, who gives and takes life as ge wills.
Yahaya also extended sympathy to the management of Kano Line Transport Company and the management of Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Motor Park, calling for a thorough review of safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
He appealed to motorists to always exercise maximum caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during long-distance travel, to minimize the risk of accidents and loss of lives.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I offer our deepest condolences. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, comfort their families and grant quick recovery to the injured,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya prayed.
Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya, has expressed sorrow over the death of five teenagers, who lost their lives in a tragic boat mishap on the Nafada River on Saturday.
In a statement by Misilli, Yahaya described the incident as heartbreaking and painful, particularly given the tender ages of the victims and the grief it has caused their families and the entire Nafada community.
The deceased were identified as :Najib Ibrahim 18, Hauwa’u Jidda Adamu Siddi Dogal, 15, Ummati Haruna Baraya, 16, Umaira Gidado,16 and Amina Jaliya, 15.
The deceased were residents of Nafada LGA.
“This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident that has cut short the lives of promising young people. My heart goes out to their parents, families, and the entire Nafada community at this difficult time. The loss of these young souls is not only a tragedy to their immediate families but to all of us as a people,” the Governor said.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased. He also prayed Almighty Allah to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss and the victims eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
Beyond condolence, Yahaya emphasised the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety standards in water transportation. He called on local government councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts in enforcing safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada Local Government Council to provide every necessary support to the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities to enhance safety awareness in riverine communities.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased. We pray that Allah, in his infinite mercy, forgive their shortcomings and grants them Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.
