Seven journalists have been confirmed dead following a fatal road accident in Gombe State.
The victims were travelling in a Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) bus returning from a colleague’s wedding ceremony in Kaltungo Local Government Area when the crash occurred around Kumo town in Akko Local Government Area.
According to reports, the accident happened after one of the bus tyres burst during the return journey, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and plunged into nearby bushes.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samson Kaura, and the Director General, Press and Media Affairs at the Government House, Ismaila Misilli, confirmed that seven persons died in the incident, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Zarah Umar, Manager, News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Isa Lawan, Film Editor, NTA; Musa Tabra, a retired Manager, News; Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue in Gombe, while the injured victims were taken to hospital and are currently receiving medical care.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, through his spokesperson, Ismaila Misilli, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and the media community in the state. He also wished the injured a speedy and full recovery.
“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 added that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that necessary support is provided to the affected families.
“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,” the governor stated.
