Governor Inuwa Yahaya Mourns Victims, Calls for Strict Road Safety Measures
By Abdulwahab Muhammad
Published By Alphapressmedia
GOMBE, October 27, 2026 — What should have been a routine journey to school ended in heartbreaking tragedy for the Mansir Adamu family in Gombe State, as five siblings lost their lives in a fatal collision involving a commercial tricycle, popularly known as NAPEP, and a water tanker.
Three other children sustained injuries in the accident and are receiving medical treatment, according to a statement issued by the Gombe State Government.
The tragedy has plunged the bereaved family, the Jekadafari community and the affected schools into mourning, raising renewed concerns about the safety of schoolchildren on Nigerian roads.
The deceased were identified as Maryam Mansir Adamu and Usman Mansir Adamu, both Primary Five pupils of Jekadafari Primary School; Hauwau Mansir Adamu of Government Junior Secondary School, Jekadafari; Aliyu Mansir Adamu of Government Day Secondary School, Ahmadu Gombe; and Fatima Mansir Adamu, also a student.
GOVERNOR INUWA YAHAYA REACTS
Reacting to the devastating incident, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the five siblings, describing their deaths as an unbearable tragedy that had robbed their family, schools and the state of promising young lives.
In a condolence message conveyed through his Director-General, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Governor lamented that the children had lost their lives while pursuing their education and preparing for a future filled with hope and opportunities.
He observed that the death of five children from one family in a single accident represented a monumental loss, not only to their parents and relatives but also to their classmates, teachers and the wider Gombe community.
The Governor noted that the children’s dreams and aspirations had been abruptly cut short, leaving behind grief that words could hardly describe.
He also expressed concern over the three other children receiving medical attention and offered prayers for their speedy and complete recovery.
ROAD SAFETY: GOVERNOR WARNS AGAINST RECKLESS DRIVING
Beyond expressing condolences, Governor Inuwa Yahaya called for greater responsibility among motorists, commercial transport operators and other road users.
He warned against reckless driving, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking and other traffic violations that expose innocent passengers to avoidable risks.
The Governor particularly emphasised the need for heightened caution when transporting schoolchildren, stressing that drivers must recognise their responsibility to protect vulnerable passengers.
He urged motorists to maintain roadworthy vehicles, observe traffic regulations and prioritise safety over speed.
The Governor maintained that no journey or destination should be considered more important than the preservation of human life.
A TRAGEDY THAT RENEWS QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL TRANSPORT SAFETY
The incident has again drawn attention to the risks associated with transporting children to and from school, particularly where commercial tricycles share busy roads with heavy-duty vehicles.
It also underscores the importance of effective traffic enforcement, responsible driving, vehicle safety checks and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing avoidable road fatalities.
While the circumstances and responsibility for the collision have not been established in the government statement, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for continued attention to road safety and the protection of young commuters.
GOVERNOR CONDOLES WITH BEREAVED FAMILY
Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the Mansir Adamu family, the management and staff of the affected schools, the children’s classmates and the entire Jekadafari community.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased children Aljannatul Firdaus and give their grieving parents and relatives the courage and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
For the Mansir Adamu family, the tragedy represents a devastating end to what began as an ordinary school-day journey.
Five young lives have been lost, leaving a family in mourning and a community confronting the painful consequences of a fatal road accident.
