Five children from the same family lost their lives when a water tanker collided with a commercial tricycle in Gombe Metropolis, while they were on their way to school.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday morning near Kanady Academy, close to APC Square in the Government Reserved Area of the state capital. The victims have been identified as Maryam Mansir Adamu and Usman Mansir Adamu, both pupils in Primary Five at Jekadafari Primary School; Hauwau Mansir Adamu from Government Junior Secondary School, Jekadafari; Aliyu Mansir Adamu of Government Day Secondary School, Ahmadu Gombe; and Fatima Mansir Adamu, whose school is not specified.
Three other children sustained injuries in the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Gombe, Samson Kaura, confirmed that the rescue operation was completed when their personnel arrived on the scene. He also stated that officials later visited the hospital to assess the casualty count.
A source at Specialist Hospital, Gombe, mentioned that the injured children and the involved drivers were transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital for medical care. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the mortuary.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing the loss as heartbreaking. In a statement from his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he lamented that the children had passed away at such a young age, when they should have been focused on their education and future opportunities. He offered condolences to the grief-stricken family and the Jekadafari community, deeming the deaths an irreparable loss.
The governor also urged motorists to drive responsibly, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving. He called for adherence to traffic regulations, maintenance of safe speeds, and attention to the safety of vulnerable passengers, especially schoolchildren.
He extended prayers for the deceased children and the strength for their families to cope with this profound loss.
