The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been thrown into mourning following the confirmation of the identities of seven media professionals who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Gombe State.
The crash occurred on Monday along the Billiri–Kumo Road while the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo. The victims were travelling in a bus operated by the NUJ when the accident happened.
Those who died in the incident have been identified as Zarah Umar, Manager of News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager of Administration at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe; 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 (SUBEB).
In addition to the fatalities, four journalists sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. They include Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House Correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Gombe State Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager of Marketing at NTA.
Reacting to the incident, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragedy. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor described the accident as a devastating loss to the state’s media and public service community.
He noted that the deceased journalists were dedicated professionals who contributed significantly to public information and development efforts in the state. The governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Television Authority, and the wider media community.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost committed professionals and partners in progress who served with passion and a strong sense of duty,” the governor said.
He also assured that the injured journalists are receiving the necessary medical care and support, while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families.
The incident has left the journalism community in Gombe State in deep mourning, ranking as one of the deadliest accidents involving media professionals in the state in recent years.
