By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Five children from the same family have died after a water tanker ran over a commercial tricycle conveying them to school.
The accident occurred on Tuesday at Kanadi Academy Junction in Buba Shango, Gombe state.
The children, members of the Mansir Adamu family residing in Jekadafari, were travelling to their respective schools when the tanker crushed their tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP.
The deceased 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 and are receiving medical treatment.
Governor Yahaya Mourns Victims
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa-Yahaya, has expressed sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as a devastating loss for the family and the state.
In a statement signed by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said the deaths had caused immense pain to the victims’ parents, schools, the Jekadafari community and the entire state.
Yahaya lamented that the children lost their lives while pursuing their education and nurturing hopes for a bright future.
Governor Urges Motorists to Drive Safely
Following the crash, the governor urged motorists and commercial drivers to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, avoid dangerous manoeuvres and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
He stressed that no journey justified the loss of human lives, particularly when transporting schoolchildren and other vulnerable road users.
The governor also prayed for the speedy recovery of the three injured children and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, affected schools and the Jekadafari community.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased children Aljannatul Firdaus and give their parents the strength to bear the loss.
