Seven Nigerian journalists, mostly attached to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) chapel of the NUJ, have died in an accident involving their bus after one of the tyres burst along the Billiri-Gombe road while returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that “seven members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries in a lone fatal road accident involving an NUJ bus in Gombe State.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Samson Kaura, said a total of 11 persons were involved in the lone accident.
“The crash occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in Gombe South Senatorial District.
“The victims were part of a delegation that had travelled to honour a colleague, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority, who was getting married,” Kaura said.
In a statement issued on Monday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he received the news with shock and a heavy heart, describing the incident as a painful tragedy for Gombe State.
“This loss is not only to the families of the deceased but also to the media community and the public service in our state,” the governor said.
Those who lost their lives include Zarah Umar, manager of News at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and senior special assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Kwami, manager, Administration, NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a retired manager of News; Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an information officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board.
Governor Yahaya described the deceased as committed professionals whose work contributed significantly to public information and governance in the state.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost hardworking colleagues and devoted public servants whose dedication and service will be long remembered,” he said.
The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, and the media community within and outside Gombe State.
He also expressed concern for those injured in the crash and currently receiving medical care. They include Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA.
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Mr Yahaya assured the injured of the state government’s support and prayed for their speedy recovery.
“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together and pray that God grants eternal rest to the departed and comfort to the families they have left behind,” he said.
A journalist in Gombe, who is not authorised to speak publicly on the incident, wrote on social media: “With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we regretfully announce the tragic passing of members of staff of NUJ/ NTA Gombe, following the unfortunate incident earlier reported.
“The deceased are: Manu Haruna Kwami- Manager, Administration, Zarah Umar – Manager, News Isa – Editor, Musa Tabra – Retired Manager, News, Aminu – Driver, Adams – Startimes and Judith I. O. Subeb.
“May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort their families, colleagues, and loved ones in this moment of great loss.
“Survivors currently receiving medical attention include: Emmanuel Akila, Steven Doddo, Nina and Jonathan Bara.
“Reports indicate that some of the survivors sustained severe injuries, and prayers are requested for their quick recovery.
“May Allah grant healing to the injured, patience to the bereaved, and protect us all from such tragic occurrences.”