Panic as truck rams into Gombe Govt House gate

Panic gripped residents on Tuesday after a truck loaded with sand rammed into the main gate of the Gombe State Government House, damaging the structure.

The incident, which occurred around 12:55 p.m., involved a gate reportedly constructed as part of ongoing renovation projects at the Government House under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. The gate has yet to be officially inaugurated.

Eyewitnesses said the truck lost control before crashing into the multi-million-naira facility.

“I was standing across the road when I saw the truck approaching at speed. Suddenly, the driver seemed to lose control, and the vehicle veered off and hit the gate,” said a trader, Musa Abdullahi.

Another witness, a commercial motorcyclist, Ibrahim Sadiq, said the incident could have been more tragic if pedestrians had been nearby. “It happened very fast. People started running when they saw the truck coming. Thankfully, no one was injured,” he said.

A security aide in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the impact caused significant damage to the newly installed gate. “The gate is part of the ongoing renovation. The force of the crash bent parts of the structure,” he added.

The truck is alleged to belong to Tricata Nigeria Ltd., although its registration number was not immediately available.

Confirming the incident, the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said no life was lost.

“It happened earlier today. We thank God there was no loss of life.”

“The driver sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” he said.

The Government House is currently undergoing extensive renovation and rehabilitation, part of what the administration describes as legacy infrastructure projects across the state.