By Aisha Abubakar Mai Agogo
The Young Female Professionals in Media (YFPM) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of seven journalists from the Gombe State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), including two members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The condolence message was contained in a statement jointly signed and issued to newsmen by the Chairperson of YFPM, Maryam Usman Nagado, and the Forum’s Secretary, Khadijah Shehu Abdulkareem.
According to the statement, the fatal incident occurred along the Billiri–Kaltungo road as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague, who is a staff member of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). What was meant to be a joyful occasion turned into a day of grief and mourning for the entire media community — not only in Gombe State but across Nigeria.
The group noted that it received reports of the tragic incident involving the journalists, one of whom, a NAWOJ member, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. YFPM extended its prayers and heartfelt wishes for her full and speedy recovery.
The statement described the late journalists as committed voices of truth, service, and professionalism — individuals who embodied the values of responsible journalism and democracy. Their deaths, it added, have created an irreplaceable void within the NUJ, NAWOJ, and the wider media family.
On behalf of all its members, YFPM extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Gombe State Council of the NUJ, NAWOJ, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity. The group reaffirmed its solidarity with the Gombe State Council of NUJ during this period of grief.
YFPM prayed that Almighty Allah grants the souls of the departed Aljannatul Firdaus, comforts their families and colleagues, and gives NUJ and NAWOJ the strength to bear the loss. The group also prayed for divine healing for the injured journalists.