Fatal Tyre Burst Claims Lives Of 6 NTA Gombe Staff, 1 Journalist, NUJ Mourns

 

By Khalid Idris Doya 

Seven journalists were killed in a tragic road accident on Monday along the Billiri-Kumo Road in Gombe State while returning from a colleague's wedding in Billiri local government area of the state.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, who is an indigene of Gombe State, confirmed the incident in a post on his Facebook page, describing it as a sad day for the journalism profession in the state.

"Six journalists died in a car crash- another sad day for the journalism profession in Gombe State," he wrote.

The accident occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague held in Billiri Local Government Area. The crash was reportedly caused by a tyre burst.

A staff member of the NTA Gombe disclosed the identities of the deceased as Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager Administration; Zarah Umar, Manager News; Isa, an Editor; Musa Tabra, a retired Manager News; Aminu, the station's driver; and Adams, who managed the Startimes operations of the station.

Another deceased of the accident was Mrs. Judith, a journalist with the Gombe State Ministry of Information, who was attached to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as an Information Officer.

Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. 

Those injured include the NTA's Government House Correspondent, Emmanuel Akila, Steven Doddo, Nina, and Jonathan Bara.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its members.

In a condolence message signed by the Zonal Secretary of NUJ Zone E, Abubakar Musa Waziri and made available to journalists in Bauchi, the union extended heartfelt condolences to the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya; the management of the Nigerian Television Authority; the Gombe State Government; the Gombe State Council of the union; and the families of the deceased journalists.

"On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone E, we extend our heartfelt condolences to The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, The Management of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), The Government of Gombe State, The Gombe State Council of our Union, and The entire families of our departed colleagues," the statement said.

The statement described the incident as a great loss not only to the families of the victims but to the entire journalism community in Nigeria.

The union prayed that Allah grant the departed journalists Aljannatul Firdausi and give their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The tragic incident comes just days after another road accident reportedly claimed the lives of seven natives of Lawanti village in Akko Local Government Area while they were travelling to attend a wedding in Borno State.