A somber mood has enveloped Lawanti village in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State following a horrific road accident that claimed the lives of seven of its natives. The victims were on a journey to attend a wedding ceremony in neighbouring Borno State when the tragic crash occurred in Potiskum.
Community in Mourning After Fatal Journey
The fatal incident took place on Friday, December 27, 2025. Among the seven deceased were three males and four females, all from the same close-knit community. The accident has left families shattered and the entire village grieving an unimaginable loss.
One of the bereaved, Malam Idris Lawanti, painfully confirmed losing two daughters. He revealed that one of his daughters was on the verge of completing nursing school, while the other was a student in Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). "It pains me so much, I have lost two of my precious daughters," he lamented, capturing the heartbreak felt by many.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya Offers Condolences and Prayers
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed deep sadness over the tragic event. In a press statement issued by his Director General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor described the accident as a painful and devastating loss for the affected families, the Lawanti community, Akko LGA, and the entire state.
Governor Yahaya specifically commiserated with several bereaved community leaders, including:
- The District Head, Bello Hassan Babangida, who lost his sister and niece.
- Idris Lawanti Maigari, who lost his daughters.
- The Councillor representing Akko Ward, Idris A. Isah Lawanti, who also lost close relatives.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah grants the families the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. He also prayed for forgiveness for the deceased and for them to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise).
A Village United in Grief
A community member, Idris Abubakar, echoed the collective shock, describing the event as "tragic and devastating." He noted that the village is in deep mourning, having lost promising young individuals in a single day. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the shared sorrow that binds communities in times of tragedy.
The accident on the Potiskum road has not only cut short promising lives but has also left a permanent scar on the heart of Lawanti village, as they begin the difficult journey of healing from this immense tragedy.
