By Desire Emmanuel
Seven journalists returning from wedding ceremony of their colleague have been confirmed dead while four others, including the driver, sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal accident in Gombe State on Monday evening.
The accident occurred along the Gombe-Yola Road, at Ladongor Village, Billiri Local Government Area and it involved a Hummer bus with registration number GOMBE NUJ-01 belonging to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State chapter.
The vehicle was conveying 11 passengers, all members of the NUJ, most of whom are staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe from Kaltungo when the left rear tyre reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle subsequently somersaulted and landed in the bush.
Seven passengers, comprising five men and two ladies, died instantly at the scene of the accident while four men sustained injuries and were rushed to Amama Clinic, Billiri, before they were later referred to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, for proper medical attention.
Following the accident, officers from the Billiri Divisional Headquarters of the command went to the scene and took the injured to the hospital while the dead were taken to the Specialist Hospital morgue.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said he received the death of the journalists with “overwhelming grief, shock, and deep emotional pain.”
In a statement issued by Ismaila Misilli, director-general of press affairs at the Gombe government house, Yahaya said the victims were dedicated media professionals.
“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.
