By Segun Adewale, Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that seven members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries in a lone fatal road accident involving an NUJ bus in Gombe State.
This was as the State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, received with overwhelming grief, shock and deep emotional pain the tragic news of the fatal accident involving journalists, staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe and Ministry of Information.
The crash occurred in the evening of Monday, 29 December, 2025, as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in Gombe South Senatorial District.
The victims were part of a delegation that had travelled to honour a colleague, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who was getting married.
Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident are: 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, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi, StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with journalists, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Samson Kaura, said a total of 11 persons were involved in the accident.
According to him,“From the information available to us, 11 people were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven of them died on the spot, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries”,
explaining that preliminary findings indicated that the accident was a lone crash, likely caused by a tyre burst.
“It is a lone accident, and from what we have gathered so far, it is very fatal. Although investigations are still ongoing, I suspect it may have been a tyre burst. Perhaps the driver applied the brakes suddenly, which caused the vehicle to somersault,” he stated.
The Sector Commander added that FRSC rescue teams were promptly deployed to the scene and were still conducting rescue and recovery operations as of the time of the interview.
“Our officers are still on the ground carrying out rescue operations. We have not concluded the full assessment yet, but a comprehensive report will be released after the operation is completed,” he said.
He further assured that the injured victims had been taken to nearby health facilities for medical attention, while the corps would continue its investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has received with overwhelming grief, shock and deep emotional pain the tragic news of the fatal accident involving journalists, staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe and Ministry of Information.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss goes beyond families and institutions to the very soul of the state’s media and public service community.
The Governor said the deceased were committed professionals who dedicated their lives to informing, educating and serving the people, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to journalism, public service and governance in Gombe State.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the Governor said.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority and the entire media fraternity within and beyond Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grave concern for the injured victims currently receiving medical attention, including: Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House Correspondent; Steven Doddo, NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal, Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA, assuring them of the government’s full support.
“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is following the situation closely and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he said.
“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences,” the Governor added.
The Governor prayed Almighty God to grant the departed souls eternal rest and give the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the heavy loss.
