A speeding commercial bus plowed into worshippers gathered for Friday prayers in Yobe State, leaving two dead and 32 injured. The crash happened at JIBWIS Juma'at Mosque along the Kano–Maiduguri highway in Damagum.
Damagum is the headquarters of Fune Local Government Area. The incident sparked immediate unrest among residents and worshippers at the scene.
Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana visited the Emir of Damagum's palace to console bereaved families and injured victims. He represented Governor Mai Mala Buni and the state government.
Initial investigations showed the bus was traveling at dangerous speeds when it lost control. According to Gubana, the vehicle then crashed directly into the praying worshippers.
"We're here because of what happened Friday," Gubana told reporters at the palace. "Two lives were lost.
Thirty-two others were hurt."
Angry youths and worshippers set the bus on fire immediately after the crash. Security operatives quickly arrived to restore order and secure the scene.
Gubana noted that reckless driving plagues Damagum regularly. Commercial drivers habitually speed through the town, he said, contributing to needless deaths.
State government officials announced a N2 million donation to the deceased's families and injured victims. Free medical care would be provided to all those affected.
Road safety measures along the Damagum highway are now being considered by authorities. Gubana promised such measures would prevent similar tragedies.
"This won't happen again," the Deputy Governor assured residents. "Governor Buni's administration is committed to stopping this."
Gubana called on Islamic scholars and community leaders to discourage Friday prayers on highways. He said young people especially needed this education.
According to him, roads exist for vehicles, not worship. Prayers blocking traffic endangered everyone using the route.
Islamic law actually exempts travelers from attending Friday congregation prayers. Gubana argued that forcing travelers to stop violated their rights.
"Muslims and non-Muslims have the right to move freely," he added. "We cannot allow prayers on roads to restrict that right."
Gubana urged the Federal Road Safety Corps to crack down on speeding. Other security agencies should also patrol the Kano–Maiduguri highway intensively.
Emir Alhaji Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman thanked the government for the visit and financial support. He appreciated the show of solidarity from Buni's administration.
The Emir requested roundabouts be constructed in Damagum to slow traffic. He also asked for speed bumps in Ngelzarma and Dogon Kuka.
Such infrastructure improvements would reduce excessive speeding, he explained to the delegation. The humble request was aimed at protecting travelers and residents alike.
