The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been hit by a tragic loss after seven of its members from the Gombe State Council died in a fatal road accident. The Niger State Council of the NUJ has since extended its condolences to the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, over the incident.
According to a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Comrade Usman Chiji, on behalf of the Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, the accident is “devastating and deeply painful.” The statement described the deceased journalists as dedicated professionals who made significant contributions to nation-building through their work. Their untimely demise has robbed the Union and the Nigerian media industry of talented individuals who were in their prime and actively participating in NUJ activities.
The accident occurred when a group of journalists from the NTA Gombe Chapel were returning from a wedding ceremony. Eleven journalists were involved in the accident, resulting in the death of seven, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The Niger State Council of the NUJ urged the National President to take solace in the fact that the departed colleagues had served diligently and paid their dues in their respective workplaces.
The Council shared in the moment of grief and sorrow with the National President, the NUJ Gombe State Council, as well as the government and people of Gombe State. They prayed that Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, and gives their families and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable losses. The NUJ Niger State Council encouraged the National President not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident but to accept it as the will of Almighty God.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian media industry, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by journalists in the country. The loss of these dedicated professionals is a significant setback to the Union and the industry as a whole. As the NUJ and the families of the deceased mourn their loss, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The Nigerian media industry will undoubtedly feel the impact of this tragic loss for a long time to come.