By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo – Dec. 31, 2025
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the families of seven media practitioners who lost their lives in a fatal road crash in Gombe State.
The governor’s message of condolence was contained in a statement issued in Jalingo on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Bello.
Governor Kefas expressed deep sorrow over the death of the seven staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who reportedly lost their lives while returning to Gombe after attending the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo, Gombe State.
Describing the incident as a national tragedy, the governor noted that journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, play a critical role in shaping public opinion and strengthening democratic governance, stressing that the loss of many journalists at once is a painful blow to the nation.
According to the statement, “Governor Kefas has received with shock the demise of seven staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in an auto crash on their way from Kaltungo to Gombe. He described the incident as a national disaster, noting that the deceased died in active service and that their contributions to national development will not be forgotten.”
The governor specifically condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, describing the incident as an irreparable loss to the union. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, emphasizing that press freedom is anchored on the safety and wellbeing of media professionals.
Governor Kefas also extended his condolences to the government and people of Gombe State, as well as the immediate families of the deceased, praying for the repose of the souls of the departed and for God to grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the loss.
He further prayed for divine protection for Nigerians traveling during the festive period, urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
