FG mourns journalists killed in Gombe accident, pledges support for families

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed profound shock over the deaths of seven journalists in a fatal road accident in Gombe South, Gombe State.

The incident unfolded on Monday evening as the journalists returned from a colleague’s wedding in the Gombe South Senatorial District.

They had traveled in solidarity with an NTA journalist tying the knot.

Preliminary reports from Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, confirmed the crash’s devastating toll.

In a statement issued Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister described the loss as “a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation.” He praised the victims as “committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.”

“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” Idris stated.

The minister extended condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Gombe State Council, families, friends, and colleagues.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” he added.

Idris emphasised unity in grief, saying, “We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily.”

He assured federal government support for the bereaved.