The Gombe State Government has handed N14 million to the families of seven journalists who died in a road crash while returning from a colleague’s wedding in Kaltungo Local Government Area.
The payment, delivered on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abubakar Njodi, represented Governor Inuwa Yahaya. Each bereaved family received N2 million as a token to help cover burial and related expenses.
Gombe journalists crash and the state response
Addressing relatives and media representatives, Prof Njodi described the accident as a matter of grave concern to the state administration. He paid tribute to the deceased, noting their contributions to public life and the development of Gombe State.
“We cannot pay for any life lost,” he said, “but Governor Yahaya has directed that we give the family this token to assist with burial expenses.” The secretary added that the government stood in solidarity with the media organisations affected by the tragedy.
The General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority in Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, expressed deep devastation at the loss and commended the state government for its prompt support. He prayed for comfort for the families and urged the media community to remain united in the aftermath of the crash.
Union calls for insurance and better welfare
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya, thanked the state government for its assistance. He recalled previous road fatalities involving journalists in Plateau, Akwa Ibom and Adamawa states and highlighted the recurring risks that reporters face while travelling to cover assignments or attend events.
Yahya said the union would launch a national insurance scheme by March to enhance the health and welfare of practising journalists. The scheme aims to provide a measure of financial protection for media workers and their families in the event of accidents, illness or death.
Media leaders and union representatives urged news organisations and state authorities to collaborate on improving welfare, including broader insurance coverage, safer travel arrangements and training on road safety for reporters who routinely travel across the state.
Road safety and the wider context
Road traffic accidents remain a major public safety challenge in Nigeria. Officials and commentators say improved enforcement of traffic regulations, better road maintenance and public awareness campaigns are needed to reduce fatalities. The death of multiple journalists in a single crash has once again focused attention on the vulnerability of those who travel frequently for work.
While the N14 million payment will assist with immediate funeral costs, union leaders and civil society groups say longer-term measures are essential. The planned insurance scheme and calls for improved welfare reflect a growing consensus that Nigerian journalists require better protection and support when carrying out their duties.
For now, families and colleagues of the deceased are receiving official condolences and financial assistance from the Gombe State Government, as the media community prepares to remember the journalists who lost their lives and to press for reforms that might prevent future tragedies.
Key Takeaways:
- Gombe State Government presented N14m (N2m each) to families of seven journalists killed in a road crash.
- Secretary to the State Government, Prof Abubakar Njodi, delivered the funds on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya as assistance for burial expenses.
- The Nigeria Union of Journalists pledged a new national insurance scheme for reporters and called for improved welfare.
- Officials and media leaders urged better road safety and protections for practising journalists.
