The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of seven members of its Gombe State Council in a fatal motor accident.
The journalists reportedly lost their lives while returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague, a journey that was meant to be celebratory but ended in tragedy. Several other journalists sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash and are currently receiving medical attention.
Reacting to the heartbreaking incident, a senior NUJ stakeholder described the tragedy as a double blow to the journalism community, coming shortly after the death of renowned writer and journalist, Gbenga Adeleke.
“My heart bleeds at this painful and heartbreaking news. Before we could finish mourning the loss of our prolific colleague, Gbenga Adeleke, we were confronted with the shocking reality that seven more journalists have been taken from us in one tragic accident,” the statement read.
The development, the NUJ noted, represents a profound loss not only to the union but to the journalism profession as a whole, as the deceased were described as dedicated professionals committed to truth, responsibility, and public service.
“These fallen colleagues devoted their lives to informing society and upholding the core values of journalism. Their untimely deaths have created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” the statement added.
The NUJ expressed deep sympathy to its national leadership led by Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, the Gombe State Council, the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Gombe State.
Prayers were also offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the quick recovery of those injured. “We pray that Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives their shortcomings, accepts their noble deeds, and grants them Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May He also grant patience and strength to their families, colleagues, and loved ones,” the union said.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the NUJ added: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.” (Qur’an 2:156).
