Tragedy struck in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Gombe State, Nigeria, with separate incidents claiming lives and causing injuries. In Zuba town, FCT, an official of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Idris A. Sadiq, lost his life after being hit by a trailer during a traffic gridlock. Witnesses reported that the incident occurred when the official, riding a bike, hit a road barrier and was struck from behind by the truck. The truck driver, who was traveling from Lagos, has been detained by the Zuba Police Division. The accidents have been on the rise around Zuba-Madalla and neighboring Tungan-Maje axis since the road construction started with lane closure.

In a separate incident in Billiri town, Gombe State, five people died and 13 others sustained severe injuries when a truck ran into a procession of Christian faithful celebrating Easter. The truck, loaded with grains and traveling from Adamawa State to Gombe, reportedly experienced brake failure and veered into the crowd. The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. The incident sparked tension, with residents setting the truck ablaze and attempting to lynch the driver before police intervention.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the Billiri crash to excessive speeding, emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed limits, particularly in built-up areas. The Gombe State FRSC Sector Commander, Samson Kaura, confirmed that the driver had been apprehended and would face prosecution.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and directed an immediate investigation into the accident. He vowed that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

This tragedy re-echoes a similar incident from Christmas Day 2024, when at least 22 people were injured in the Gombe metropolis when a commercial bus driver lost control and drove into a crowd of Christian worshippers and also draws parallels to a 2019 Easter tragedy where 10 children were killed and 30 others injured when a car ploughed into a late-night Easter procession. These incidents highlight a recurring issue of avoidable tragedies and the need for accountability and proactive measures to ensure public safety during celebrations and processions.

Despite police assurances of security, a noticeable lack of security presence was observed during the Easter celebrations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures. The police have promised thorough investigations into these incidents, but public updates and visible outcomes are often lacking, contributing to a cycle of tragedy and unrest.