Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed grief over the tragic passing of seven journalists who lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident along Gombe–Yola Road in Gombe State.
In a condolence message signed by the Chairman of the Council, Ahmed ‘Lanre Abdullateef, and the Secretary, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, the Union extended its heartfelt sympathy to the entire journalism community, particularly the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya; and the Gombe State Council of the Union over the irreparable loss.
The statement also commiserated with the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) on the demise of their staff and members who were involved in the unfortunate incident.
Describing the incident as a painful and devastating loss to the media profession and the nation at large, the Kwara NUJ noted that the fallen journalists were dedicated professionals, who contributed immensely to the growth of journalism and the promotion of democratic values in Nigeria.
The Council further sympathized with the families of the deceased journalists, praying that the Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings, grants them Aljanah Firdaus, and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the colossal loss.
The Union prayed for the speedy recovery of journalists and other victims who sustained varying degrees of wounds in the auto-crash while calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward improving road safety to prevent future occurrences.
