At least five people have been confirmed dead following a fatal road traffic crash involving a gas-laden tanker and a commercial passenger vehicle in Lawanti, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The victims, who died in the incident along the Lawanti axis near Brigadier Zakari Maimalari Airport, were identified as Babayo Konkeje (60), Ahmadu Konkeje (43), Yahaya Konkeje (40), Haruna Shulto (45), and Yana Dunumari (51).
Samson Kaura, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the tragedy, noting that preliminary investigations revealed the driver of the passenger vehicle, traveling from Gombe to Bauchi, deviated from his lane and collided with the oncoming gas tanker heading toward Gombe, resulting in instant deaths.
Following the tragedy, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya visited the community to commiserate with the bereaved families, attending the Janazah prayers for the deceased and describing the incident as a painful loss to the state.
“We are here today to share in the deep pain and sorrow of the Lawanti community over the tragic loss of five innocent lives in this unfortunate incident,” the governor said.
“On behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Gombe State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
The governor also expressed sympathy for the families of seven other residents who lost their lives in a separate road accident while traveling to Maiduguri in December 2025, noting that the cumulative losses had deeply saddened the state.
“This is not only a loss to Lawanti but a loss to the entire state. Our hearts go out to all the families affected by these painful tragedies,” he added.
In a show of
support, Governor Yahaya announced a donation of N5 million to the families of the five deceased to assist with burial arrangements and other related expenses.
He further commended the Lawanti community for remaining calm and law-abiding after the crash, describing their restraint as a demonstration of discipline and respect for the rule of law.
Responding on behalf of the community, the District Head of Lawanti, Bello Hassan, thanked the governor for personally attending the funeral prayers and for the financial support, describing the gesture as evidence of compassionate and people-focused leadership.
The governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo, members of the assembly, the Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, Mohammed Adamu, and other senior government officials.
