The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State on Monday.
The fatal crash reportedly occurred when the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony of one of their colleagues working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the Gombe South Senatorial District.
The Minister, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation.
He noted that the journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.
“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” Idris said.
He extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and especially the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” he added.
“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
