CONDOLENCE STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC LOSS OF JOURNALISTS IN GOMBE STATE
I received with profound shock and deep sorrow the heartbreaking news of the death of seven members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in a ghastly motor accident in Gombe State. This tragedy is even more painful as the departed colleagues hailed from the Gombe State Council of our great Union, the home council of our National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.
On behalf of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), and in my personal capacity as the immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the National President, the National Officers, and the entire leadership and members of the Gombe State Council of the NUJ. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families, friends, and newsroom colleagues of the departed journalists, as well as those who sustained injuries in the accident.
This is a dark and painful moment for our profession. These were dedicated journalists who travelled to honour a colleague and returned no more. Their passing is not only a loss to their families and the Union, but to the entire journalism fraternity in Nigeria and beyond. We mourn extraordinary individuals who gave of themselves in service to truth, society, and humanity.
At this trying time, I urge all members of the NUJ family to stand together in solidarity, compassion, and faith. May God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, heal the injured, comfort the bereaved, and give the leadership of the Union, especially our National President, the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Our hearts are broken, but our collective spirit remains unbowed.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
Signed
Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR
Immediate Past National President,
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
President, Congress of African Journalists (CAJ)
December 29, 2025