Angry mob in Gombe State have killed the driver of a van alleged to have ran over a procession of students marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad killing at least 12 children on the spot.
The mob also burnt the vehicle before police rescue team arrived at the scene of the accident.
The incident happened in Malam Sidi town 20 kilometres away from Gombe, the state capital on Tuesday.
According to a report by the Daily Trust, a witness, who craved for anonymity, said the driver was coming from Gombe on a high speed when he lost control and ran into the Maulud procession.
The event was staged by hundreds of Islamiya School pupils some of whom came from neighbouring villages.
A witness said he counted about 20 corpses, adding that over 30 children were injured and taken to the Cottage Hospital in Malam Sidi.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Usman, said the accident occurred at 12 noon when a driver travelling alone in his car from Gombe to Bajoga lost control and ran into the children procession.
DSP Usman said eight were confirmed dead and 19 others were evacuated by the police medical team to Federal Teaching Hospital and Gombe Specialists Hospital for treatment.
He said the police had launched an investigation into the incident and that they were also on the trail of those that killed the driver and burnt the car.
The police spokesman added that the combined operation of military personnel and Mobile Police Rapid Response Unit has restored law and order and normalcy had since returned to the town.