By Willies Ugo, Gombe – January 9, 2026
The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim Burah, has paid a condolence visit to Gombe State over the death of seven media practitioners who lost their lives in a fatal motor accident.
The journalists reportedly died in the crash along the Billiri–Kumo Road while returning to Gombe from a colleague’s wedding ceremony in Kaltungo Local Government Area.
Upon her arrival in Gombe, Hajiya Burah was received by Mrs. Ruth Absalom Baba, a member of the NAWOJ Board of Trustees, alongside the Gombe State executive and members of the association.
Condoling the bereaved families, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), and journalists across the state, the NAWOJ national chairperson described the incident as pathetic, devastating, and painful.
She expressed particular sorrow over the death of two NAWOJ members, late Hajiya Zarah Umar Adamu and late Judith Charles Wulengs, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and for God’s comfort upon their families.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Hajiya Burah said the loss of seven journalists at once was not only painful to their families and the Gombe media community, but also a national loss to the journalism profession.
As part of the condolence visit, she also went to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, where she commiserated with the General Manager, Malam Abubakar Adamu, who lost five staff members in the accident. She described the loss as enormous, noting that although death is inevitable, the sudden nature of the tragedy was deeply distressing.
She urged journalists and media organizations to accept the incident as the will of God, encouraging them to cherish life, support one another, and foster unity within the profession. She also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those still receiving medical treatment.
In their responses, family members of the deceased journalists and the NTA Gombe General Manager said they were relying on divine strength and grace to cope with the irreparable loss. They expressed appreciation to NAWOJ for its solidarity and support during the difficult period.
The NTA General Manager, who was an eyewitness to the accident, described the loss of five dedicated staff members as difficult to comprehend, urging people to shun grudges and enmity while praying for the eternal rest of the departed souls.
