Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday led a state government delegation to the funeral prayers of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic auto crash.
The funeral prayers were held at the Bubayero Central Mosque within the Emir’s Palace in Gombe and were led by Imam Aliyu Hammari. The solemn occasion drew a large turnout of sympathisers, including bereaved family members, colleagues from the media industry, and top government officials.
Governor Yahaya described the death of the journalists as a painful and irreparable loss to Gombe State and the journalism profession, noting that the victims were dedicated professionals who served the public with commitment and integrity.
Following the funeral prayers, the governor proceeded to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, to personally assess the condition of the survivors of the crash who are currently receiving medical care.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Yahaya expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the survivors and offered prayers for their speedy and complete recovery.
“We must thank Almighty God for sparing their lives, not because they are better than those who passed on, but because it was destined so. Our most important duty now is to continue praying for their quick and full recovery,” the governor said.
“For those who lost their lives, we will not relent in praying for the repose of their souls, in view of the enormous contributions they made to journalism and public service.”
The governor extended the heartfelt condolences of the Gombe State Government to the families of the deceased journalists, their respective media organisations, and the entire media fraternity, urging them to accept the tragic loss as an act of God.
He also announced that the state government had assumed responsibility for the full medical expenses of all injured victims, assuring that every necessary support would be provided to aid their recovery.
“As a government, we will do everything within our means to support the victims and their families during this difficult period,” Yahaya assured.
During his visit to the Accident and Emergency Unit, the governor was conducted around the ward by the Chairman of the Hospital Advisory Committee, Dr. Bukar Lakube, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, to assess the patients’ condition. He also extended financial support to other patients in the unit to help ease the burden on them and their families.
