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The Christian Association of Nigeria on Wednesday, insisted that no fewer than 65 persons were injured from the December 25 Christmas procession accident.
Recall that Police through the command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi, had in a statement confirmed 22 persons injured.
Abdullahi disclosed that the accident was caused by the break failure of a Sharon vehicle laden with grains along the Bauchi-Gombe expressway, adding that the driver was at large after ramming into the procession.
Our correspondent reports that the procession was on its way to join others at Emir of Gombe Alhaji Shehu Abubakar’s palace for Christmas felicitation, from there to Government House to greet the governor before the unfortunate incident occurred.
Leading a team of CAN officials, on a sympathy visit across paediatric and female surgical wards on Wednesday, the Chairman of the association Rev. Joseph Shinga, said four out of the 65 victims admitted are recuperating, while 61 others have been discharged.
He commended the government of the state and senator representing Gombe South for their financial support towards ensuring the recuperation of those on admission.
Shinga said, “It is with a heart full of gratitude and concern that I, on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, provide an update regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred on Christmas Day. A total number of 65 individuals were affected, but we thank God that, by His grace, no lives were lost in the incident. The majority of those affected have now been discharged from the hospital, and we are grateful for their recovery.
“However, four victims are still receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. We are profoundly grateful for the support extended to the victims of this tragic event. We extend our deepest appreciation to the Governor of Gombe State Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya CON, for not only promptly taking responsibility for the medical bills of those affected, but took time to visit them through His Excellency the Deputy Governor, the SSG and other top government functionaries.
“Your swift intervention has been a source of great comfort during this trying time. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the management and staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and the specialists’ hospital for their dedication and compassionate care. Furthermore, we thank Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro for his heartfelt visit to the victims and his generous financial support. His presence and kindness have been a source of hope and encouragement for those recovering.”
While expressing immense gratitude to churches, individuals and organisations that have shown their support through prayers and visits, he added, “Your solidarity and compassion are deeply appreciated, and you have truly exemplified the spirit of Christian love.
“We received N1 million from Tony Siyako, three categories of patients were earmarked each received N25,000 about 10, another group N15,000 about 30 of them the remaining group got N10,000 each. We spent about 400,000 although I don’t have the full details and the government is paying the bills and when they are discharged.”
Shinga disclosed that efforts were on with the Emir of Gombe to forestall further disturbances to Christian processions in the state saying, “The mechanism to stop further occurrence of this is in top gear, the Emir of Gombe is involved who is the father of the land.
“He drew my attention that one month to Christmas together we will plan the entourage; for the Emir it’s one event that brings people to his palace. He has asked us not to be discouraged or trying to stop this.”
