Two people lost their lives and 32 others sustained injuries after a commercial passenger bus lost control and rammed into worshippers during a congregational prayer in Yobe State. The tragic incident occurred at the JIBWIS Juma’at Mosque along the Kano–Maiduguri highway in Damagum, the headquarters of Fune Local Government Area.
Government Condolence Visit
On Monday, May 4, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, led a government delegation to the palace of the Emir of Damagum to express sympathy with the bereaved families, the injured victims, and the emirate over the unfortunate event.
Gubana stated, “We are here on behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Yobe State Government over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, in which two people lost their lives while 32 others sustained injuries.”
Details of the Incident
Preliminary investigations revealed that the commercial passenger bus was travelling at excessive speed when it lost control and crashed into worshippers observing Juma’at prayers. The impact triggered momentary civil unrest, as some youths and worshippers set the vehicle ablaze, reducing it to ashes. Security operatives were swiftly deployed to restore normalcy and secure the crash site.
The Deputy Governor expressed concern over reckless driving in Damagum, particularly habitual over-speeding by commercial drivers, which continues to claim lives.
Government Support and Measures
The state government donated N2 million to the families of the deceased and the injured victims as support. Additionally, free medical treatment has been provided to all those affected. Gubana assured the public that the government would consider introducing strategic road safety measures along highways passing through Damagum to reduce such incidents.
“I want to assure you that this will not happen again. The state government under Governor Mai Mala Buni has taken steps to prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Appeal to Religious Leaders
Gubana called on Islamic scholars and community leaders to sensitise their followers, especially youths, against observing prayers on highways. He emphasised that roads are meant strictly for vehicular movement, and praying on them, especially on Fridays, endangers lives.
“Islam has exempted travellers from observing Juma’at prayers. Forcing travellers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to halt their journeys until prayers are concluded is a violation of their rights, which the state government will not tolerate. The solution is to stop congregational prayers on highways and ensure these roads remain accessible to commuters. We are also calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to address over-speeding along the Kano–Maiduguri highway,” he added.
Emir’s Response
In his response, the Emir of Fune, His Royal Highness Alhaji Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman, expressed gratitude to the state government for the visit and support extended to the victims and the emirate. He also appealed to the government to construct roundabouts in Damagum, as well as speed control measures such as road bumps in Ngelzarma and Dogon Kuka, to help reduce excessive speeding by motorists along the route.
