Gombe State has been plunged into mourning following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of seven journalists returning from a wedding ceremony in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were traveling in a bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) when the crash occurred along the Kumo axis of Akko Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the vehicle suffered a tyre burst during the return journey, causing the driver to lose control before the bus veered off the road and crashed into nearby bushes.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe Sector Commander, Samson Kaura, confirmed the incident, stating that seven occupants died at the scene, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The casualty figure was also corroborated by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Misilli.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue in Gombe, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Those who lost their lives in the tragic incident include Zarah Umar, Manager, News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Isa Lawan, Film Editor with NTA; and Musa Tabra, a retired Manager of News.
Others are Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Ismaila Misilli, the governor described the incident as a painful loss not only to the media community but to the entire state.
“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. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the governor said.
He also expressed concern for those injured in the accident and assured them of the government’s support. “Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Gombe State Government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he added.
Describing the incident as a dark moment for the state, Governor Yahaya called for collective mourning and prayers. “This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences,” he said.
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief across Gombe State and beyond, with colleagues, media organizations, and residents paying tribute to the journalists whose lives were cut short in the line of duty.
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