Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday named the journalists and media workers who lost their lives in the tragic road accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the state’s media and public service community.
Those who died in the accident are Zarah Umar, Manager, News, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, 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).
This was contained in a press statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House.
The accident occurred as the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo.
Receiving the news with what he described as “overwhelming grief, shock and deep emotional pain,” the Governor said the tragedy has plunged Gombe State into mourning, stressing that the loss goes far beyond the families of the deceased to affect the entire media fraternity and government institutions.
Governor Yahaya described the deceased as dedicated professionals who committed their lives to informing, educating and serving the people of the state, noting that their deaths represent a huge loss to journalism, governance and public service in Gombe.
“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 extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, and the entire media community within and outside Gombe State.
The Governor also expressed concern for those injured in the accident and currently receiving medical treatment. They include Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House Correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA.
“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he assured.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a dark moment for the state, urging residents to remain united in prayers and solidarity during the period of grief.
He prayed Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the departed souls and to give the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
