At least seven journalists have died, while four others sustained injuries in a single fatal road accident involving a Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ bus in Gombe State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in Gombe South senatorial district.
The victims were part of a delegation that had travelled to honour a colleague, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority, who was getting married.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps l, Samson Kaura, said, “From the information available to us, 11 people were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven of them died on the spot, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
According to him, preliminary findings indicate that the accident was a lone crash, likely caused by a tyre burst.
NTA DG Reacts
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY
It is with profound sadness and deep sense of loss that the Management and entire staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) received the heartbreaking news of the tragic death of our dear colleagues from NTA Gombe in a fatal auto accident along the Gombe–Boliri Road, while returning from the wedding ceremony of a fellow staff member.
This unfortunate incident is a big loss to the Authority of dedicated professionals whose commitment, camaraderie, and service to NTA and the nation will be sorely missed. Their passing under such painful circumstances is a great loss, not only to their immediate families and loved ones, but also to the NTA family as a whole.
On behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, i extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the management and staff of NTA Gombe, and all who were affected by this tragedy. We share in your grief and sorrow during this very difficult time.
We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grants the departed eternal rest, forgives their shortcomings. May He also grant their families, colleagues, and friends the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
Signed:
Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
Director General
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
