From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Gombe State chapter, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road.
Chairman of ALGON in the state and Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Barrister Sani A.A. Haruna, conveyed condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Ministry of Information, and the families of the deceased.
The accident occurred while the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo.
Describing the incident as heart-rending, Haruna said the tragedy has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss extends beyond families and institutions to the wider media and public service community.
Those who died in 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 Ustaz, senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Haruna described the deceased as dedicated professionals who served with passion and integrity, adding that their deaths represent a significant loss to journalism and governance in the state.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost journalists, partners in progress and devoted public servants whose contributions will be greatly missed,” he said.
He also expressed concern for those injured and currently receiving treatment, including Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House correspondent; Steven Doddo of NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadel of the Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA. He prayed for their speedy recovery