A tragic Christmas Day incident in Gombe left 22 people injured when a commercial bus lost control and rammed into a Christmas procession, police confirmed.
The procession, organized by the Tumfure community, was en route to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for homage when the accident occurred.
Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Gombe State police, confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. The injured were immediately taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital for treatment.
The police have launched an investigation, with the Commissioner of Police directing the Motor Traffic Department to conduct a thorough probe. Security forces cordoned off the area as authorities called for calm.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his sympathies to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the victims, pledging to cover all medical expenses.
Meanwhile, in Onitsha, Anambra State, an early morning fire on Ibokwu Street near the General Post Office gutted several shops, destroying goods worth millions of naira. Eyewitnesses reported the fire started in one shop and quickly spread, consuming neighboring businesses. Residents and passersby worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, as many shop owners were away for the Christmas holiday.
One affected shop owner, Chinedu Nnamdi, shared his ordeal, stating he initially mistook the smoke for waste burning before realizing the fire had engulfed his shop.
These incidents cast a shadow over Christmas celebrations, leaving victims reeling from injuries, losses, and trauma.
