The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has suffered a tragic loss after seven members of its Gombe State Council died in a fatal road accident. The incident occurred when a group of journalists from the NTA Gombe Chapel were returning from a wedding ceremony. Eleven journalists were involved; seven were killed and four sustained varying degrees of injury.
The Niger State Council of the NUJ has extended its condolences to NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya. In a statement signed by Council Secretary Comrade Usman Chiji on behalf of Chairman Comrade Abu Nmodu, the accident was described as “devastating and deeply painful.” The statement praised the deceased as dedicated professionals who made significant contributions to nation‑building through their work. Their untimely deaths have robbed the Union and the Nigerian media industry of talented individuals who were in their prime and actively participating in NUJ activities.
The Council urged the National President to find solace in the knowledge that the departed colleagues had served diligently and paid their dues in their respective workplaces. It shared in the grief with the National President, the NUJ Gombe State Council, as well as the government and people of Gombe State, praying that Allah forgives the deceased, grants them Al‑Jannatul Firdaus, and gives their families the strength to bear the loss.
The NUJ Niger State Council encouraged the National President not to be discouraged by the tragedy 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 journalists face in the country. While the Union and the families mourn, the loss serves as a stark 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.
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