The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya in a statement he personally signed on behalf of the union on Monday described the victims of the unfortunate road crash as “committed practitioners who served the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.”
He noted that the loss of the journalists as a “devastating blow to the journalism community, not only in Gombe State but across Nigeria.”
The statement reads in part:
“On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), the entire NUJ family nationwide, and the Nigerian media community, the Union extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gombe State Council of the NUJ, the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“The NUJ shares in this moment of grief and stands in full solidarity with the bereaved families and the Gombe State media family. We pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
“The tragic incident again underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving to prevent avoidable loss of lives, especially for professionals who are often on the road in the line of duty.
Similarly, the FCT Council is a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Grace Ike and titled, titled,
“Heartfelt Condolence Message From NUJ FCT Council,” described the death of the seven journalists as “shocking and heartbreaking.”
Comrade Ike stated that the “death of [the] gallant journalists in a ghastly motor accident” was a great loss to the media community and Nigeria at large.
She noted that the deceased media practitioners were “dedicated professionals, who lost their lives while in the line of duty, were shining beacons of truth, courage, and commitment to the noble profession of journalism.
Noting that the members of the FCT Council of the union “extend our most sincere condolences to their bereaved families, the NUJ Gombe State Council, and the entire NUJ family.
The statement reiterated that the “departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our ranks, but their legacy of fearless reporting and unwavering service to humanity will endure forever. May the gentle souls of our departed colleagues find eternal peace in the bosom of the Almighty God.
The NUJ FCT Council stands in solidarity with you during this period of unimaginable grief. We pray for God’s comfort and strength upon the families, colleagues, and all affected by this tragedy.
