In a tragic incident that has shaken Nigeria’s media community, seven journalists lost their lives in a road accident on Monday along the Yola–Kumo road after Billiri axis in Gombe State. Four others sustained injuries in the crash.
The victims, several of whom were staff members of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague held in Billiri Local Government Area when the accident occurred. Preliminary reports indicate that the crash was caused by a burst tyre on the bus conveying the journalists.
Victims of the Accident
The journalists and staff members who lost their lives include:
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Zarah Umar – Manager, News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady
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Manu Haruna Kwami – Manager, Administration, NTA
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Isa Lawan – Film Editor, NTA
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Musa Tabra – Retired Manager, News
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Aminu Adamu – Senior Driver
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Adams Danladi – Staff, StarTimes
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Judith Kutus – Information Officer, Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
According to Mohammed Saddam, a member of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), rescue team in Gombe, the four injured victims were first taken to Amana Clinic and General Hospital in Billiri before being referred to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, along with the deceased.
Reactions and Condolences
The incident drew immediate reactions from government officials and media organisations.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as a tragedy that robbed the state of “dedicated media professionals, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty.”
In a statement issued by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Yahaya said, “Their absence will be felt for a long time. This tragedy is deeply painful.”
Alhassan Yahya, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), described the crash as “a devastating blow to the journalism community, not only in Gombe State but across Nigeria.”
In his statement, Yahya praised the deceased as committed practitioners who served the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism, noting that their loss leaves an “irreplaceable void in our noble profession.”
The NUJ extended heartfelt condolences to the Gombe State Council of the NUJ, the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, emphasizing solidarity with the bereaved. Yahya also highlighted the need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving to prevent avoidable loss of life, particularly for professionals who are frequently on the road.
A Call for Road Safety
This tragedy underscores the urgent importance of road maintenance, vehicle safety checks, and adherence to traffic regulations. It also serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists and other professionals who spend significant time traveling in the line of duty.
As Gombe State and the broader national media community mourn, colleagues, friends, and family honour the journalists’ dedication, commitment, and service to the public.
