A somber mood has enveloped Gombe State following a fatal road accident on Saturday that claimed the lives of seven journalists and media workers. Four others sustained varying injuries in the crash.
The tragedy occurred near Kumo town in the Akko Local Government Area. According to officials, the victims were returning from a colleague’s wedding in Kaltungo LGA in a bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) when a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road into adjoining bushes.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe Sector Commander, Samson Kaura, and the Government House Director of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, confirmed the casualty figures. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a Gombe mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The deceased have been identified as prominent figures within the state’s media and public service sectors:
· Zarah Umar, Manager, News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady.
· Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager of Administration at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Gombe.
· Isa Lawan, Film Editor, NTA.
· Musa Tabra, a retired Manager of News.
· Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver.
· Adams Danladi of StarTimes.
· Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
In an immediate response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed his profound condolences through his spokesperson, Ismaila Misilli.
“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 stated.
He extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and assured that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and will provide all necessary assistance.
“This is a dark moment for Gombe State,” Governor Yahaya added. “We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences.”
The accident has sparked an outpouring of grief across the media community in Gombe and nationwide, highlighting the dangers of road travel.