Grief swept through Nigeria’s media community on Monday after a devastating road crash claimed the lives of seven journalists and media professionals returning from a social engagement, abruptly cutting short a journey meant to end in celebration.
Those affected were members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) travelling in an official bus after attending a wedding ceremony in Yola, Adamawa State. However, the trip back to Gombe turned fatal when the vehicle developed a critical fault mid-journey.
According to preliminary accounts, a sudden tyre burst caused the bus to lose stability near Kumo in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Consequently, the vehicle veered off course and collided with other road users, leading to multiple deaths on the spot.
Among those confirmed dead were senior media professionals, including Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager (Administration), and Zarah Umar, Manager (News).
Others were Isa, an editor; Musa Tabra, a retired Manager (News); Judith, an Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board; Aminu, the driver of the vehicle; and Adams, a staff member of StarTimes.
Meanwhile, four passengers survived the crash with injuries. Emmanuel Akila, Steven Doddo, Nina, and Jonathan Bara were rescued and rushed to a medical facility in Gombe, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the tragedy, a senior NUJ official in the state described the incident as “a painful reminder of how fragile life is,” adding that the union had lost “some of its most dedicated and experienced hands in one moment,” he said.
Bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at a morgue in Gombe State, as colleagues, relatives, and associates continue to gather in mourning and disbelief.
Beyond the immediate loss, the accident has reignited public debate around road safety and travel conditions in Nigeria.
Furthermore, it has drawn attention to the occupational risks journalists face, even outside active field assignments, hence renewing calls for stricter transport safety standards and better welfare protection for media professionals.