FG Mourns Seven Journalists Killed in Gombe Road Accident

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday expressed deep shock and profound sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who lost their lives in a lone road accident in the Gombe South area of Gombe State, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large, given the critical role the deceased played in informing, educating and shaping public opinion through their professional commitment and service to society.

The journalists reportedly died on Monday evening while returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District, having travelled together in solidarity with a colleague, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who was getting married when the fatal accident occurred.

Idris, in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss to the media community, noting that the deceased were dedicated professionals who carried out their duties with courage, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to the Nigerian public.

He said the sudden death of the journalists has created a painful void within the profession, stressing that their contributions to journalism and public enlightenment would be deeply missed by colleagues, institutions and the wider society.

The minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, as well as the families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, while also calling for renewed attention to the safety and welfare of media practitioners across the country.

“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 said.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones, and may Almighty God grant the departed eternal rest and give all those affected the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

The minister also stressed that the Federal Government stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the media community, while reaffirming the commitment of the government to work with stakeholders to improve safety conditions for journalists in the course of their duties.