The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Zone 12 Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, has been urged to facilitate the immediate release of eight suspects arrested and detained following a violent protest.
This protest was sparked by a truck crash that tragically killed five Christians and injured twenty-one others during an Easter procession in Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State on Monday.
The call for the AIG’s action was made on Tuesday during his on-the-spot assessment of the crash site and the subsequent attack on the Billiri Police Divisional Headquarters, which resulted in damage to some police facilities and injuries to several officers on duty.
The demand for the release of the detained suspects aims to ease tensions in the area and promote an amicable resolution to the issue.
During his assessment, the AIG engaged with the Chairperson of Billiri LGA, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Chief Imam, community leaders, Police Community Relations Committee leaders, representatives from the Road Transport Union, and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the series of events, noting that this was the first time such a tragic accident had occurred in Billiri LGA.
Preliminary findings suggested that the accident was caused by mechanical failure; however, a full investigation is still underway. Stakeholders expressed appreciation for the prompt response of the police during and after the incident.
The meeting also proposed several measures, including the construction of speed bumps on the highway, the establishment of alternative routes for processions, enhanced monitoring of youth during festivities, particularly regarding drug abuse, and the release of the eight suspects detained following the attack on the police station as part of efforts to reduce tension.
In his remarks, the AIG assured the stakeholders that their suggestions would be taken into consideration for necessary action.
The AIG later visited the victims receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as profoundly distressing.
Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu stated, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted.”
He stressed that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure road safety and prevent such tragedies assuring that further updates will be shared with the public as the investigation progresses.
Recall that the crash occurred at approximately 0730hrs on 21st April, 2025, when a heavy-duty truck lost control and rammed into a group of Christians on Easter procession causing significant disruption and prompting an immediate emergency response.
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