Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the accident that killed five persons and injured many others in Billiri.

Following the Easter Monday tragedy that led to the loss of lives in Billiri, Gombe State, a panel set up by the Gombe State Government has said that the truck driver must face prosecution. 

The findings of the committee were revealed to the public by the Chairman of the committee, Rambi Ayala. 

"The findings stemmed from the incident when a trailer truck driver carelessly rammed into the last batch of Christians participating in the Easter procession, leading to multiple fatalities and severe injuries," the statement noted.

"The committee undertook a careful identification of those affected by the tragedy. 

A total of 36 persons were involved, and at the moment, 18 of them are still receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital and the Specialist Hospital in Gombe."

"Sadly, 6 precious souls were lost, namely Grace David, Clement Lakason, Ephraim Ibrahim, Faida P. Uslas, Rejoice Mela, and Praise Ayuba.”

'The government should consider constructing or renovating the current general hospitals to help manage growing health challenges in the area, especially during emergencies like the present case,” Ayala said.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, ordered a full-scale investigation into the accident that killed five persons and injured many others in Billiri.

This was communicated in a statement issued by his office: "This is a dark and painful moment for the families affected and for all of us as a people. On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the swift and full recovery of those currently receiving treatment.”

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Christian community in Billiri and beyond, as well as with all those affected by this tragedy.”

"As a government, we are committed to ensuring that the victims receive the best possible medical care. We will come out of this tragedy more united,” the governor stated, calling for calm and collective healing.

The findings of the panel come as three Tangale socio-cultural organisations — the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Kwagam Tangale Socio-Cultural Association (KTSCA), and Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) —accused the Gombe State Government and the Nigeria Police of negligence and misinformation over the tragic killing of Christians during the Easter Monday procession in Billiri Local Government Area.

In a joint statement delivered by TCDA National President Danladi Bako, the groups expressed deep outrage over what they described as a “wanton loss of innocent lives” and a “callous and biased police narrative.”

"We find it necessary to call on you to debunk the widespread misinformation and disinformation by the Nigeria Police on the Billiri Easter tragedy,” the statement read. “We will provide pictures, videos, victims, and eyewitnesses so you can independently verify what transpired.”

While acknowledging Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s offer to cover hospital and burial expenses for victims, the associations condemned the poor state of health infrastructure in Billiri, attributing it to government neglect.

"The 21 patients currently in the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe were first taken to the General Hospital in Billiri,” the statement said. “There, neither personnel on duty nor first-aid kits, syringes, or drips were available.”

"The same governor who now shows compassion,” the statement continued, “rejected medical supplies from Tangale indigenes just 16 months ago—on his directive. We have documented evidence of this.”

Reacting to the police's official report, which claimed the truck crash was due to brake failure, the groups labelled the account as “laughable” and “a calculated attempt to shield the culprits.”

"Video evidence contradicts the police claim,” the statement declared. “The truck did not veer off the road—it drove straight into the procession. The driver didn’t honk, and the vehicle only stopped after mowing down the victims.”

Further rejecting the police’s claim that Muslims were also affected in the incident, the group said:

"The statement that the truck hit some Muslims watching from the roadside is false. No Muslim was harmed. The truck rammed into a Christian procession. This is an attempt to incite division where there was none.”

The group also questioned the police’s preparedness and impartiality.
"“This Procession is an annual event,” the statement emphasized. “The Billiri police division was informed in advance. So why were no officers deployed to manage traffic?”

"Why did both the state and zonal police repeat the same unverified statement about brake failure?” they queried. “How did they know it was a mechanical fault without any investigation?”
"We are not fools,” the groups added. “We will share video evidence — some already viral online— to challenge these lies.”