Oyo NUJ Mourns Seven Journalists
By Akeem Oduyoye
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Gombe State.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the Oyo NUJ said the tragic incident had thrown journalists across the country into mourning, describing the loss as painful and devastating to the media profession.
The message, jointly signed by the Chairman, Akeem Abas, and the Secretary, Temidayo Adu, sympathised with the NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya, the Gombe State Council and the families of the deceased journalists.
The journalists reportedly died in a lone accident that occurred on Monday evening in the Gombe South area of the state. They were said to be travelling in a bus to attend the wedding of a colleague who works with the Nigerian Television Authority.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps said initial findings showed that the crash was fatal.
Reacting, the Oyo NUJ said the deaths were not just a loss to the Gombe Council but to journalism nationwide. The statement read, “On behalf of journalists in this state, we commiserate with the families, friends and colleagues of the departed.
“We pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest and gives the NUJ President, the Gombe Council and all affected families the strength to bear this irreparable loss. We also pray that God heals those who sustained injuries in the accident.”
The Oyo NUJ described the incident as a sad reminder of the risks journalists face even outside the line of duty, urging members to continue supporting one another in the face of tragedy.