Seven residents of Lawanti community in Akko local government area of Gombe state have died in a road accident while travelling to Maiduguri, Borno state, for a wedding ceremony.
Muhammadu Yahaya, Gombe State governor, described the incident as a devastating tragedy that has plunged the state into mourning.
In a statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, director-general of press affairs, Gombe Government House, the governor said the loss was painful for the bereaved families and the wider Lawanti community.
Yahaya said the deaths were deeply distressing, noting that “no words can adequately console families who have lost loved ones under such tragic circumstances.”
The governor expressed condolences to the families of the victims, including Bello Hassan Babangida, district head of Jalingo, who lost his sister and niece.
He also sympathised with Idris Lawanti Maigari, who lost his daughter, and Idris A. Isah Lawanti, councillor representing Akko Ward, who lost close relatives.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants the bereaved families, relatives and the entire Lawanti community the strength, patience and fortitude to bear this immense loss, and that He envelops the departed souls in His mercy,” Yahaya said.
The governor further prayed that Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, accepts their good deeds and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus.