At least 20 people, mostly children, have lost their lives in a fatal automobile crash that occurred in Billiri, the headquarters of Billiri LGA in Gombe State.

Apart from those who died, numerous others sustained various injuries and are receiving medical attention at health facilities in Billiri.

Reports indicate that the crash occurred at about 8:00 am on Easter Monday when Christians were returning home from a mountain they had climbed earlier in the morning to commemorate the meeting of Jesus Christ in Galilee, one day after his resurrection.

An eyewitness recounted that as the people, mostly youths and children, were descending from the mountain, a truck loaded with grains heading towards Gombe ploughed into them, crushing many to death.

It was also gathered that, in retaliation, youths in the town set the truck ablaze and stormed the Divisional Police headquarters, demanding the release of the driver, who was believed to be in police custody.

A combined team of police, military, and other security agencies has been mobilised to prevent the situation from escalating further.

When contacted, the State Commands of the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps declined to provide additional details but confirmed that the crash had occurred. However, they assured that a public statement would be made as soon as possible. (Nigerian Tribune)