Seven Journalists Killed in Gombe Road Crash as NUJ Bus Loses Tyre
“Seven journalists lost their lives in a tragic road crash in Gombe after an NUJ bus returning from a wedding suffered a tyre burst near Kumo.”
A cloud of grief has descended on Gombe State following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of seven journalists after a bus conveying members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) crashed along the Kumo–Gombe highway.
The accident occurred on the return journey from a colleague’s wedding in Kaltungo Local Government Area, when the NUJ bus reportedly suffered a tyre burst near Kumo town in Akko Local Government Area, causing the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road into surrounding bushes.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that seven occupants died instantly, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
The FRSC Gombe Sector Commander, Samson Kaura, alongside the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs at Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, confirmed the casualty figures and said rescue efforts were promptly carried out at the scene.
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 at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Isa Lawan, Film Editor with the NTA; and Musa Tabra, a retired Manager,
News.
Others are Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue in Gombe, while the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in the state.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as “deeply painful” and a major loss to the state and Nigeria’s media community.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the governor said.
He added, “Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all necessary support is provided.”
Governor Yahaya further described the incident as “a dark moment for Gombe State,” urging residents to remain united in prayers for the bereaved families and the repose of the souls of the departed.
