A tragic motor accident along the Gombe-Potiskum highway in Yobe State has resulted in the death of seven individuals, including two young children and the driver. Four other passengers sustained injuries in the Friday crash.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident occurred on December 26, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Potiskum Division received a distress call concerning a serious accident on the Badejo-Potiskum axis.
The vehicle involved was a nine-seater Sharon bus traveling from the Lawanti Area in Akko Local Government of Gombe State, with its final destination being Maiduguri, Borno State. The driver was identified as Gambo Abbo, aged 35.
Cause and Immediate Aftermath
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure. "The bus had a rear tyre-burst, which caused the driver to lose control of the steering wheel," SP Abdulkarim explained. The vehicle subsequently veered off the 200km road and crashed into the roadside bush.
The immediate consequences were devastating: the driver and four passengers died at the scene. Six others suffered various injuries to their heads and limbs.
Officers from the Police Motor Traffic Department were quickly mobilized to the location. They evacuated the deceased and the injured to the State Specialist Hospital in Potiskum for medical treatment and deposition. Tragically, two of the injured victims later died from their wounds at the hospital, bringing the total death toll to seven.
Victims and Official Response
The police released the names of the seven deceased persons whose bodies are at the hospital morgue:
- Gambo Abbo (35) - Driver
- Umalkhairi (18)
- Rabiu Abubakar (28)
- Fatima Hassan (28)
- Amal Abubakar (3)
- Adamu Bello (4)
- Zarau Alhaji (27)
Authorities are working to formally notify their families. The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Emmanuel Ado, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
CP Ado seized the moment to issue a stern warning to all motorists. He emphasized the critical importance of adhering to traffic rules, avoiding excessive speed, and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained. "Strict compliance with these safety measures remains vital in preventing avoidable road accidents," he stated. He also called for public cooperation with law enforcement agencies by observing all traffic and safety regulations.
