The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who were confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State.
The incident occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District, where they reportedly traveled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, who was getting married.
According to preliminary information from the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samson Kaura, the crash was fatal.
According to Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Adviser Media to the Minister, in a statement on Tuesday, Idris described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation.
“The journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism. This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” he said.
The minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.
“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief.
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