NUJ, Gov Yahaya Mourn As Identities Of 7 Journalists Killed In Gombe Road Crash Revealed
The identities of journalists killed and those injured in a fatal road accident involving a Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) bus in Gombe State have emerged.
OSUN DEFENDER reported on Monday that the crash occurred along the Billiri–Kumo road as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo.
It was gathered that the seven journalists killed in the incident are; Zarah Umar, Manager of News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, 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).
Four other journalists sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. They are 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, Marketing, NTA.
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed shock over the incident.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Governor described the crash as a tragic loss to the state’s media and public service community, noting that the deceased were dedicated professionals who served with commitment and a strong sense of duty.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Television Authority and the wider media community, while assuring that the injured journalists are receiving government’s support.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty,” the governor was quoted as saying.
“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together and pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the departed and gives the bereaved the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement added.
The accident has thrown the journalists community in Gombe State into mourning, marking one of the deadliest single incidents involving media professionals in the state in recent years.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
