Seven journalists lost their lives on Monday in a fatal road accident along the Yola–Kumo highway, after the Billiri axis in Gombe State. The tragic incident has thrown the media community in the state and across Nigeria into deep mourning.
The journalists were travelling in a bus from a wedding ceremony of one of their colleagues held in the Billiri Local Government Area when the accident occurred. Some of the victims were staff members of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Gombe.
Preliminary reports indicated that the accident was caused by a burst tyre, which led to the loss of control of the vehicle conveying the journalists.
Those who died in the crash include Zarah Umar, Manager of News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, NTA Gombe; Isa Lawan, a 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).
Mohammed Saddam, a member of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) rescue team in Gombe State, confirmed that four other persons sustained injuries in the accident. He said the injured victims were taken to Amana Clinic and General Hospital in Billiri for treatment.
According to him, both the injured persons and the bodies of the deceased were later transferred to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe on referral.
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as one received with “overwhelming grief, shock, and deep emotional pain.”
In a statement issued by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, the governor described the victims as dedicated and passionate media professionals who contributed immensely to public service.
“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,” Yahaya said.
Also reacting, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, described the incident as a devastating blow to the journalism profession, not only in Gombe State but across the country.
In a statement he personally signed, Yahya said the deceased were committed journalists who served the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism, adding that their deaths have left an irreplaceable void in the media industry.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council, the entire NUJ family nationwide, and the Nigerian media community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Gombe State Council of the NUJ and the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased,” the statement read.
The NUJ president said the union stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for God to grant eternal rest to the departed souls and strength to their loved ones.
He also noted that the incident highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving to prevent avoidable loss of lives, especially among professionals who regularly travel in the line of duty.
