By Aisha Abubakar Mai Agogo
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has mourned the death of seven journalists who passed away due to a fatal road accident that occurred along the Billiri-Kaltungo road in Gombe State on Sunday evening.
According to the association, two of the deceased were members of the Gombe State Chapter of NAWOJ. The journalists were reportedly returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague who works with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) when their vehicle was involved in the crash.
Four other journalists, including one NAWOJ member, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the entire journalism community.
She prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of those injured, describing the incident as a “devastating loss” to journalism in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
“The death of our colleagues is a painful reminder of the risks journalists face daily. We stand in solidarity with their families and call on all well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the departed and the injured,” the statement read in part.
The association’s National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, also signed the statement, noting that the tragic event has left the media community in deep mourning.