Tragedy struck the media community in Gombe State on Monday evening as seven journalists lost their lives in a lone road accident along the Billiri–Gombe highway.
The victims, most of whom were members of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), were travelling in a union bus that reportedly veered off the road after a tyre burst.
They were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague held in Gombe South Senatorial District.
Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said 11 persons were involved in the crash.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the corps, Samson Kaura, disclosed that seven occupants died on the spot, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Kaura explained that the journalists were part of a delegation that had gone to celebrate with a colleague, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority, before the unfortunate incident occurred on their return journey.
Details of the deceased were later shared by a journalist in the state, who expressed grief over the loss.
Those who died were identified as Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager (Administration); Zarah Umar, Manager (News); Isa, Editor; Musa Tabra, a retired Manager (News); Aminu, the driver; Adams of StarTimes; and Judith I. O. Subeb.
The injured survivors were named as Emmanuel Akila, Steven Doddo, Nina and Jonathan Bara.
It was gathered that some of them sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
The incident has thrown the journalism community in the state into mourning, with colleagues, friends and well-wishers offering prayers for the repose of the departed and speedy recovery for the injured.
