A father in Gombe State, Mansir Adamu, has lost five of his children in a fatal road accident involving a tricycle conveying them to school and a water tanker.
Three other children reportedly sustained injuries in the crash and are receiving medical treatment.
The victims were identified as Maryam Mansir Adamu and Usman Mansir Adamu, both Primary Five pupils of Jekadafari Primary School; Hauwau Mansir Adamu of GJSS Jekadafari; Aliyu Mansir Adamu of GDSS Ahmadu Gombe; and Fatima Mansir Adamu, a student.
Reacting to the tragedy, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed profound grief over the deaths, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the bereaved family, the affected schools, the Jekadafari community, and the state.
The governor lamented that the children lost their lives at a time when they should have been pursuing their education, developing their talents, and working towards their future aspirations.
He extended his condolences to the parents, relatives, friends, and school communities of the deceased, while praying for the speedy recovery of the three children injured in the accident.
Yahaya also called on motorists and other road users to exercise greater caution and responsibility, warning that reckless driving and other dangerous practices could lead to avoidable loss of lives.
He urged drivers to obey traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, avoid dangerous manoeuvres, and ensure their vehicles were in good working condition before embarking on journeys.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased children Aljannatul Firdaus and give their family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
