A sombre mood has enveloped Gombe State following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of five journalists with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Gombe. The tragic incident occurred on Monday along the Gombe–Yola highway, casting a shadow over the media community and the state at large.
Funeral Prayers Draw Mourners in Gombe and Kano
The journalists were returning from Kaltungo, where they had attended the wedding ceremony of a colleague, when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash near Ladongor in Billiri Local Government Area. Tuesday, December 31, 2025, saw emotional funeral prayers held for the deceased.
Prayers for four of the victims—Manu Haruna Kwami (Manager, Administration), Musa Jibrin Tabra (retired Manager of News), Malam Aminu Adamu (Senior Driver), and Isa Lawan (Programmes Department)—were held at the Bubayero Central Mosque within the Emir’s Palace in Gombe. The solemn rite was led by Imam Aliyu Hammari and attended by a large crowd of family, colleagues, and sympathisers.
The remains of the fifth victim, Hajiya Zahra Umar Adamu (Manager, News), were transported to her home state of Kano, where a separate funeral prayer was conducted before her burial.
Governor Yahaya Laments Painful Loss, Visits Survivors
The funeral gathering was attended by dignitaries including Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, and the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi.
Governor Yahaya, who visited the two survivors receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Gombe, described the deaths as a profound loss. “We must thank Almighty Allah for sparing their lives, not because they are better than those who passed on, but because it was destined so,” the governor stated. He emphasised the need for prayers for the quick recovery of the survivors and the repose of the souls of the departed, acknowledging their significant contributions to journalism and public service.
State Government Assumes Medical Bills for Injured
In a move to support the victims' families, Governor Yahaya announced that the Gombe State Government has taken over the full medical expenses for the injured journalists. He assured that every necessary support would be provided to ensure their complete recovery. The governor also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their media organisations, and the entire journalism fraternity, urging them to accept the tragedy as the will of God.
The accident involved seven media workers in total, with two surviving. The burial ceremonies mark a dark chapter for the media community in Gombe, as colleagues mourn dedicated professionals known for their service and commitment.
