The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Billiri–Kumo Road.
The journalists died on Monday, December 29, 2025, while returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo Local Government Area. Each bereaved family received ₦2 million as financial support to help cover burial and related expenses.
The disbursement forms part of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s efforts to cushion the impact of the tragedy on the affected families.
Speaking during the presentation on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the state had earlier provided an initial token of support to injured journalists immediately after the accident.
He added that the governor has also taken full responsibility for the medical treatment and hospital bills of those who sustained injuries and are currently receiving care.
“Our hearts have been restless since this tragic incident. While we cannot bring back the departed or fully compensate for the loss, His Excellency 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,” Professor Njodi said.
He stressed that the funds were not compensation, but a gesture of compassion aimed at supporting the families during a difficult time.
Professor Njodi further conveyed the governor’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management of the National Television Authority (NTA), and the wider media community, urging the bereaved families to find solace in the will of Allah.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, commended the Gombe State Government for what he described as a swift, compassionate and unprecedented intervention.
He said journalists across the country were deeply appreciative of the support extended to both the families of the deceased and those receiving medical treatment, while calling on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of life and health insurance schemes for journalists.
The General Manager of NTA Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, also conveyed the appreciation of the NTA Director-General, Salihu Dembos, to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, describing the gesture as a demonstration of generosity and compassion that has earned the state government high regard nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Barrister Abubakar Ahmed described the intervention as the first of its kind in the state’s history.
“This support of ₦2 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.
