Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road traffic crash that claimed the lives of seven journalists from Gombe State along the Billiri–Kumo Road.
A statement by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity and made available to newsmen on Tuesday said Governor Mohammed described the incident as heartbreaking and a great loss not only to the media industry but to the entire North-East region and the nation at large.
It could be recalled that the tragic accident occurred on Monday when the victims had a tyre burst while returning from a wedding ceremony of one of their colleagues from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Seven of them lost their lives in the process while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Mohammed described the incident as heartbreaking and a great loss not only to the media industry but to the entire North-East region and the nation at large.
He acknowledged that journalists played a vital role in strengthening democracy, promoting unity, and informing society, making their sudden deaths deeply painful.
“As a journalist by profession and a close neighbour to Gombe State, I want to use this opportunity to commiserate with the Government and the people of Gombe State.
“I also extend my sympathy to the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, the Nigeria Union of Journalists at both national and Gombe State levels, as well as the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased,” he said.
While wishing the injured a speedy recovery, Mohammed prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked Almighty Allah to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN)
