Gombe Govt Supports Fallen Journalists’ Families with N14m After Tragic Road Crash

The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo Local Government Area, throwing the media community and the entire state into mourning.

Under the intervention approved by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, each of the bereaved families received ₦2 million as financial support to help cushion burial costs and other immediate needs arising from the painful loss.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, presided over the disbursement exercise on behalf of the Governor.

He disclosed that shortly after the accident, the state government had released an initial token of support to assist victims who sustained injuries.

Professor Njodi added that Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also taken full responsibility for the medical treatment and hospital bills of the injured journalists currently receiving care.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the SSG reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, describing the loss as monumental to both Gombe State and the media profession.

“Our hearts have been restless since this tragic incident. While we cannot bring back the departed or fully compensate for the loss, His Excellency has approved this support to assist with burial expenses, just as the government has taken full responsibility for the medical bills of those who survived,” Professor Njodi said.

He emphasised that the funds were not intended as compensation but as a compassionate gesture to support the families during this difficult and emotional period.

Professor Njodi also conveyed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management of the National Television Authority (NTA), and the entire media community, urging all to find solace in the will of Allah.

In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to the Gombe State Government, describing the intervention as swift, compassionate and unprecedented.

He noted that journalists across the country were deeply grateful for the support extended to both the bereaved families and those still undergoing medical treatment.

Comrade Abdullahi further called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of comprehensive life and health insurance schemes for journalists, urging state governments, including Gombe, to align with the policy once it takes effect.

Also speaking, the General Manager of NTA Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, conveyed the appreciation of the Director-General of the NTA, Salihu Dembos, to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his generosity and compassion. He said the entire NTA family nationwide holds the Gombe State Government in high regard for the humane gesture.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Barrister Abubakar Ahmed described the intervention as historic, noting that it was the first of its kind in the state.

“This support of ₦2 million to each family will go a long way in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the dependants. We truly lack words to express our gratitude. May Allah reward the Governor and his administration abundantly,” he said.

GOGIS Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Land Administration in Gombe, Announces Final Recertification Window

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Gombe State Geographic Information System (GOGIS) has reiterated the state government’s resolve to uphold transparency, accountability, strict compliance with the Land Use Act, and the protection of legitimate land interests, as it moves to ensure efficient and orderly land administration across Gombe State.

At a press briefing held on December 31, 2025, the Director General of GOGIS, Dr Kabiru Usman Hassan, disclosed that the agency has approved a final extension for the recertification and collection of allocation letters in the newly redesigned Shehu Abubakar District, formerly known as BAP 4 Layout.

Dr Hassan explained that the exercise is part of broader land reforms initiated by the Gombe State Government following the lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy in the area, in line with Executive Order No. 007 of 2024 and Section 28 of the Land Use Act, due to breaches of conditions of grant and overriding public interest.

According to him, the government, through GOGIS, carried out a comprehensive and open process involving layout redesign, verification of claims, documentation, and recertification of eligible allottees.

He noted that the government took these steps to restore order, eliminate irregularities, and strengthen confidence in land administration.

“The aim is to build a system that is fair, transparent, and compliant with the law, while safeguarding the rights of legitimate allottees,” Dr. Hanan said.

Dr Hassan announced that the final extension for recertification and collection of allocation letters will run from Sunday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026, strictly for individuals who had already participated in the earlier documentation and verification exercise.

GOGIS Boss  emphasised that the extension reflects the government’s sense of responsibility and inclusiveness, following appeals from affected allottees who were unable to complete the process within the earlier deadline.

Eligible individuals are expected to present relevant documents, including proof of documentation, original title papers, valid identification, and other supporting requirements where applicable.

He warned that failure to comply within the extended period would be regarded as a voluntary forfeiture, after which such plots would revert to the state government for reallocation in line with existing laws and policies.

The GOGIS boss cautioned the public against misinformation, urging them to seek clarification directly from the agency on all matters relating to land allocation, payments, and penalties.

Dr Hassan confirmed that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is dedicated to improving land management by following the law, ensuring responsibility, protecting rightful claims, and supporting sustainable growth in Gombe State.

Members of the public were advised to take full advantage of the final opportunity to regularise their land documents and support the government’s drive for an efficient and orderly land administration system.

GONET Mourns Fallen Journalists, Describes Billiri–Kumo Tragedy as Blow to Gombe Media Community

The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of journalists and media workers who lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road.

In a condolence message addressed to the management of NTA Gombe, Gombe Media Corporation (GMC), the Gombe State Ministry of Information, and the leadership land members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, GONET described the incident as a heartbreaking loss to the media industry and the entire state.

According to the network, the deceased journalists were dedicated professionals who served the public with courage, integrity, and commitment to truth. GONET noted that their contributions to information dissemination, accountability, and good governance played a vital role in the social and democratic development of Gombe State.

“Their passing is not only painful for their families and colleagues, but also a major setback to the media fraternity and the broader society that relied on their voices and professionalism,” the statement said.

GONET said it stands in solidarity with NTA Gombe, GMC, the Ministry of Information, and the NUJ Gombe State Council during this difficult period. The organization also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The civil society network commended the Gombe State Government and relevant authorities for their prompt response to the tragedy, while calling for sustained support, unity, and prayers for the affected families and institutions.

GONET further prayed for Almighty God to forgive the shortcomings of the departed souls, grant them eternal rest, and give their families, colleagues, and the entire media community the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The condolence message was signed by Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET).