By Anietie Akpan
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described the untimely death of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Gombe as a devastating blow to the journalism community.
A statement on Tuesday, December 30, signed by the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, said the Union received with profound shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the death of the seven journalists from Gombe State and prayed for the souls of our departed colleagues to rest in perfect peace.
The NUJ said, the untimely passing of these dedicated media professionals, “is a devastating blow to the journalism community, not only in Gombe State but across Nigeria.
“They were committed practitioners who served the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism, and their loss has left an irreplaceable void in our noble profession”.
The statement further reads, “on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), the entire NUJ family nationwide, and the Nigerian media community, the Union extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gombe State Council of the NUJ, the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“The NUJ shares in this moment of grief and stands in full solidarity with the bereaved families and the Gombe State media family. We pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss”.
The Union said, “the tragic incident again underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving to prevent avoidable loss of lives, especially for professionals who are often on the road in the line of duty”.
Recall, the seven media professionals were staff of NTA Gombe and were said to be returning to Gombe from the wedding ceremony of a colleague held in Kaltungo LGA of the State when the accident occurred on Monday evening along the Billiri-Kumo road.
