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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) have expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists in a lone road crash in Gombe State.
The incident occurred on Monday evening as the newsmen were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District.
They were said to have travelled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who was getting married.
In a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation.
He noted that the journalists were 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.
“I extended my condolences to the Gombe State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and especially the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“I pray that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.
“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.
“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 said.
Idris said the Federal Government stood with the bereaved families and the media community during the moment of grief adding, “may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, in a statement by the association’s National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, said two of the deceased were members of the Gombe state chapter of NAWOJ, adding that four other journalists, who sustained injuries were receiving medical treatment.
“This tragic incident is a painful loss to the journalism profession in Gombe State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the departed, and for the quick recovery of those injured,” she said.
In a similar development, chairperson of the NAWOJ FCT, Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, described the incident as a great loss not only to the family, but also to the NTA family and the nation at large.
Also, Chairman of the NUJ, FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, described the deceased as shining beacons of truth, courage, and commitment to the noble profession of journalism.
“Their departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our ranks, but their legacy of fearless reporting and unwavering service to humanity will endure forever,” she said.
President of the CAJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo, described the incident as a “dark and painful moment” for the journalism profession.
He prayed God Almighty, for a peaceful repose of the souls of the departed journalists.
