Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of journalists and government officials who lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Billiri – Kumo Road.
The victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo when the accident occurred, involving staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Gombe State Ministry of Information.
In a Press Release issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Governor described the incident as a painful tragedy that has thrown the state into mourning.
Those who lost their lives include Zarah Umar, Manager News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager Administration, NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, retired Manager News; Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board.
Governor Yahaya said the deceased were dedicated professionals who served the state with commitment and integrity, noting that their deaths were a major loss to journalism, public service and the entire Gombe community.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the management of the Nigerian Television Authority
The Governor also expressed concern for those injured in the accident, including Emmanuel Akila of NTA Government House, Steven Doddo of NTA Marketing Department, Nina Gadal of the Ministry of Information and Jonathan Bara, Manager Marketing at NTA.
He assured that state government would provide all necessary support for their treatment and recovery.
Governor Yahaya prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss, describing the incident as a dark moment for Gombe State.
RN
