Five Siblings Killed In Gombe Tricycle-Water Tanker Crash, Gov Yahaya Mourns

Tragedy struck in Gombe State on Tuesday as five children from the same family lost their lives in a horrific road accident while commuting to school.

The victims were killed after a water tanker ran over a commercial tricycle (popularly known as Keke NAPEP) conveying them to their respective schools.

The incident occurred at the Kanadi Academy Junction in Buba Shango, Gombe.

The deceased children—all members of the Mansir Adamu family residing in Jekadafari—were identified as Maryam Mansir Adamu and Usman Mansir Adamu, both Primary Five pupils of Jekadafari Primary School; Hauwau Mansir Adamu of GJSS Jekadafari; Aliyu Mansir Adamu of GDSS Ahmadu Gombe; and Fatima Mansir Adamu.

Three other children sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash and are currently receiving medical treatment.

‘A Devastating Loss’

Reacting to the tragedy, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as a devastating loss that has wiped out five promising young lives from a single family.

In a statement signed by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy for the entire state.

“The loss of five children from one family in a single tragic incident is profoundly painful, not only for their parents and relatives but also for their schools, the Jekadafari community, and the entire people of Gombe State,” the governor said.

He lamented that the children’s lives were cut short at a time when they were actively pursuing their education and nurturing their dreams for a bright future.

Governor Calls For Road Safety

Following the fatal crash, Governor Yahaya issued a stern warning to motorists and commercial drivers across the state regarding reckless road behavior.

He urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic rules, maintain safe driving speeds, refrain from dangerous maneuvers, and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before plying public roads.

“No commuting is worth the loss of precious human lives,” Governor Yahaya emphasised, stressing the need for heightened road safety measures, particularly when transporting school children and vulnerable commuters.

The governor offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the three injured children undergoing treatment and extended his condolences to the Mansir Adamu family, the affected schools, and the Jekadafari community.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased children Aljannatul Firdaus and give their parents the fortitude to bear the loss.