Dare Babalola
The Management of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Gombe has expressed sadness over the tragic death of staff members who were also members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), NTA Chapel.
The incident was made public in a statement by the station on Tuesday.
According to the station, the accident occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of their colleague in Kaltungo.
The victims of the crash were identified as, 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, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The statement reads, “With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we regretfully announce the tragic passing of members of staff of NUJ/ NTA Gombe, following the unfortunate incident earlier reported.
“May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort their families, colleagues, and loved ones in this moment of great loss.”
The survivors currently receiving medical attention include, Emmanuel Akila, Steven Doddo, Nina, and Jonathan Bara.
Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has received with overwhelming grief, shock, and deep emotional pain the tragic news of the fatal accident involving Journalists, Staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and the Ministry of Information.
Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss goes beyond families and institutions to the very soul of the state’s media and public service community.
The Governor said the deceased were committed professionals who dedicated their lives to informing, educating and serving the people, 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 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 Authorityand the entire media fraternity within and beyond Gombe State.
Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grave concern for the injured victims currently receiving medical attention assuring them of the government’s full support.
“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is following the situation closely and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he said.
“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.
