The journalists were reportedly returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District, having travelled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who was getting married.
The Nigerian government has expressed deep grief over the death of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Gombe State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government was shocked and saddened by the fatal lone crash, which occurred on Monday evening in the Gombe South area of the state.
The statement was signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, and dated Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The journalists were reportedly returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District, having travelled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who was getting married.
Preliminary information from the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, confirmed that the crash was fatal.
Reacting to the incident, the Minister described the deaths as a profound loss to the media industry and the country at large, noting that the victims were dedicated professionals who served the public with distinction.
“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” he said.
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, as well as the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased journalists.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” the Minister added.
The government also reaffirmed its solidarity with the media community nationwide during the period of mourning, while stressing the need to strengthen safety measures for journalists and other professionals who serve the country daily.
“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community as the nation mourns the fallen journalists.
SaharaReporters had reported on Monday that the crash occurred along the Billiri–Kumo Road as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo.
SaharaReporters learnt that the seven journalists killed in the incident are; Zarah Umar, Manager of News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager, Administration, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a retired Manager of News; Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Four other journalists sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. They are Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House Correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Gombe State Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA.