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

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.