Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday led a state government delegation to the funeral prayers of journalists and media workers who lost their lives in a tragic road accident.
The victims were among journalists who died on Monday evening in a fatal auto crash along the Billiri–Kumo Road returning from Kaltungo after attending the wedding ceremony of a colleague.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that the accident claimed the lives of seven journalists, while others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
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 gathering drew a large crowd of mourners, including grieving family members, colleagues from the media industry, senior government officials and traditional rulers.
Also in attendance was the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who joined the governor and other dignitaries in paying their last respects to the deceased.
Following the funeral, the governor visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe to assess the condition of survivors of the crash.
He expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives 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 duty now is to continue praying for their recovery and for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, considering their enormous contributions to journalism and public service.”
Governor Yahaya announced that the Gombe State Government has taken full responsibility for the medical bills of all injured victims, assuring that no effort would be spared to support them and their families during the difficult period.
