Five children from the same family were killed in a road accident in Gombe State on Tuesday while travelling to school.
A water tanker ran over the commercial tricycle, commonly known as a Keke NAPEP, that was carrying them. The crash occurred at Kanadi Academy Junction in Buba Shango, Gombe.
The children, all members of the Mansir Adamu family of Jekadafari, were identified as Maryam and Usman Mansir Adamu, Primary Five pupils at Jekadafari Primary School; Hauwau Mansir Adamu of GJSS Jekadafari; Aliyu Mansir Adamu of GDSS Ahmadu Gombe; and Fatima Mansir Adamu.
Three other children were injured and are receiving medical treatment.
Governor mourns victims
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over what he described as the loss of five promising young lives from one family.
In a statement signed by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Yahaya said the tragedy had affected 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 said the children’s lives had been cut short while they were pursuing their education and dreaming of a bright future.
Governor urges road safety
Yahaya urged motorists and commercial drivers to obey traffic rules, drive at safe speeds, avoid dangerous manoeuvres and ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.
“No commuting is worth the loss of precious human lives,” he said, calling for greater care when transporting schoolchildren and other vulnerable road users.
The governor prayed for the injured children’s speedy recovery and offered condolences to the Mansir Adamu family, the affected schools and the Jekadafari community. He also prayed that Allah grant the deceased children Aljannatul Firdaus and give their parents strength to bear their loss.
