Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has received with profound sorrow, shock and deep pain, the tragic news of a fatal road accident involving journalists and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Gombe, and the State Ministry of Information.
The accident occurred along the Billiri–Kumo Road as the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo.
Governor Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning.
He noted that the loss extends beyond the affected families and institutions to the very fabric of the state’s media and public service community.
Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident are Zarah Umar, Manager, News, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady, Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, NTA, Isa Lawan, Musa Tabra, a retired Manager, News, Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver, Adams Danladi of StarTimes and Judith Kutus, an Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Bo.
The Governor said the deceased were dedicated professionals who devoted their lives to informing, educating and serving the public, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to journalism, public service and governance in Gombe State.
“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 very long time,” the Governor said.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, and the entire media fraternity within and beyond Gombe State.
Governor Yahaya also expressed grave concern for those injured in the accident who are currently receiving medical treatment.
They are 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.
He gave the assurances of the state government’s full support.
“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and full recovery. The Government of Gombe State is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided. This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences,” the Governor added.
He prayed that Almighty God grant the departed souls eternal rest and give the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear this heavy loss.