A devastating road crash along the busy Gombe–Potiskum highway in Yobe State has resulted in the loss of seven lives, with four other individuals sustaining serious injuries. The Yobe State Police Command has attributed the tragic incident to a catastrophic mechanical failure.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The fatal accident occurred on December 26, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. The ill-fated vehicle was a Sharon bus travelling from the Lawanti area in Akko Local Government of Gombe State, with its final destination set for Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Yobe State Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Potiskum Divisional Headquarters received an emergency call alerting them to the crash around the Badejo–Potiskum axis. Preliminary investigations conducted by officers revealed a grim sequence of events.
Cause and Immediate Aftermath
The driver, 35-year-old Gambo Abbo, lost control of the vehicle after a rear tyre burst while the bus was in motion. This sudden mechanical failure caused the bus to veer off the road and crash violently into the nearby bush.
The immediate impact was severe. Five people, including the driver, died on the spot. Six other passengers suffered critical injuries to their heads and limbs. Responding swiftly, the Police Motor Traffic Department (PMTD) mobilised to the scene to rescue the victims.
"The Police Motor Traffic Department promptly mobilised to the scene to evacuate the injured persons to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for medical attention," SP Abdulkarim stated. Tragically, the hospital's efforts were not enough for two of the critically injured, who succumbed to their wounds while receiving treatment, bringing the final death toll to seven.
Victims and Official Response
The police have released the identities of the deceased, which include two young children. The confirmed list is as follows:
- Gambo Abbo, 35 (Driver)
- Umalkhairi, 18
- Rabiu Abubakar, 28
- Fatima Hassan, 28
- Amal Abubakar, 3
- Adamu Bello, 4
- Zarau Alhaji, 27
The bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and to await identification and collection by grieving relatives. Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to formally notify the families of the deceased, who are spread across Gombe and Borno states.
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe, Emmanuel Ado, has expressed his profound condolences to the families shattered by this event. He also wished the injured survivors a swift and complete recovery. Beyond condolences, CP Ado issued a crucial reminder on road safety, cautioning all drivers against reckless behaviour.
He emphasised the non-negotiable need for strict adherence to traffic laws and, most importantly, regular and thorough vehicle maintenance. He specifically highlighted the need to check critical components like tyres, brakes, and steering systems before any journey.
"Strict compliance with these safety measures remains vital in preventing avoidable road accidents and other crashes on highways," the Commissioner warned, underscoring that many such tragedies are preventable with greater diligence from motorists.
