At least seven journalists have lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Gombe State, while four others sustained injuries. The fatal crash involved a bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and occurred on Monday evening.
The accident happened as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District. The victims were part of an NUJ delegation that had travelled to celebrate with a colleague who works with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and was getting married.
The news of the accident has thrown the media community in Gombe State and across the country into deep mourning. Journalists, media organisations, and professional bodies have expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss of their colleagues.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Samson Kaura, said a total of 11 people were involved in the crash.
“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,” Kaura said.
According to the FRSC, the accident was a lone crash, meaning no other vehicle was involved. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre burst may have caused the bus to lose control and crash.
Although full details are still being investigated, eyewitness accounts indicate that the vehicle veered off the road after the tyre burst, leading to the deadly accident. Emergency responders were quickly alerted, and rescue efforts began soon after.
The four injured journalists were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Their condition was not immediately made public, but sources said they are receiving care from medical personnel.
The bodies of the deceased journalists were also evacuated from the scene and taken to a morgue in Gombe, pending identification and burial arrangements by their families and the NUJ.
Road accidents remain a major problem in Nigeria, often leading to loss of lives and injuries. Factors such as poor road conditions, speeding, tyre bursts, and mechanical failures are frequently blamed for crashes on highways across the country.
The FRSC has repeatedly warned drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on long journeys. Tyres, in particular, have been identified as a common cause of accidents when they are worn out or poorly maintained.
In recent years, Gombe State has recorded several fatal road accidents, especially on highways linking rural communities to the state capital. These roads are often used for social and commercial travel, increasing the risk of accidents.
The tragic death of the journalists has renewed calls for better road safety measures and regular vehicle checks, especially for buses used to transport groups of people.
Following the incident, media practitioners in Gombe State observed moments of silence in honour of the deceased. Many described them as dedicated professionals who contributed greatly to the growth of journalism in the state.
Condolence messages have also begun to pour in from government officials, media organisations, and civil society groups. Many have described the incident as a painful loss not just to the NUJ, but to the entire state.
As investigations continue, the FRSC has urged motorists to drive carefully, avoid speeding, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy at all times. The corps also advised travellers to be cautious, especially when returning from events late in the evening.
The tragic crash has left families, friends, and colleagues of the victims in deep grief. For the journalism community in Gombe State, the loss of seven members in one incident is a heavy blow that will be felt for a long time.