Gombe crash: Isiguzo describes death of journalists as painful blow

Former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and current President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, 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 Monday, Isiguzo described the incident as a “dark and painful moment” for the journalism profession. He noted that the tragedy has left journalists across the country in shock and mourning.

According to him, the loss is even more heartbreaking because the deceased journalists were members of the Gombe State Council of the NUJ, which also happens to be the home council of the incumbent National President of the union, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.

He extended condolences to the National President, the national leadership of the Union, and the Gombe State Council, as well as the families and colleagues of the victims. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries.

“These were dedicated journalists who travelled to honour a colleague and returned no more,” he said, adding that their death was a loss not only to their families and the Union, but to the entire journalism fraternity in Nigeria and beyond.

Isiguzo called on the NUJ family nationwide to remain united in solidarity and compassion during the period of mourning, praying that God would grant strength to the Union’s leadership and comfort to the bereaved.

“Our hearts are broken, but our collective spirit remains unbowed,” he said, while praying for the repose of the souls of the departed.

Seven journalists were confirmed dead by the Federal Road Safety Corps after a lone accident involving an NUJ bus in Gombe State as they returned from a wedding ceremony.