Gombe govt disburses N14m to families of journalists killed in auto crash

The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic motor accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road last Monday.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who presided over the disbursement, presented ₦2 million to each bereaved family on behalf of the state government. He explained that the financial support was meant to help ease the burden of burial and other related expenses.

He said the intervention was part of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to cushioning the effect of the painful loss on the affected families.

Prof. Njodi, disclosed that an initial token of support had earlier been provided to the families of the injured victims immediately after the incident.

He added that Governor Yahaya had also taken full responsibility for the medical treatment and hospital bills of those who sustained injuries and currently receiving care.

The SSG also expressed deep sorrow over the monumental loss to the state and the media profession.

“Our hearts have been restless since this tragic incident. While we cannot bring back the departed or fully compensate for the loss, the governor has approved this support to assist with burial expenses, just as the government has taken full responsibility for the medical bills of those who survived,” he said.

Njodi stressed that the funds were not compensation, but a gesture of compassion aimed at supporting the families during the difficult period.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to the state government for the kind gesture.

He noted that the NUJ members nationwide were deeply grateful for the support extended to both the families of the deceased and journalists currently receiving medical treatment.

Comrade Abdullahi also called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of life and health insurance schemes for journalists, urging state governments, including Gombe, to key in once the policy is implemented.

The General Manager of NTA Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, conveyed the appreciation of the Director-General of the NTA, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, for the generousity and compassion.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Barrister Abubakar Ahmed praised Governor Yahaya for the gesture, describing the intervention as the first of its kind in the history of the state.

“This support of N2 million to each family will go a long way in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the dependants.

“We truly lack words to express our gratitude. May Allah reward the Governor and his administration abundantly,” he said.