By Ado Salisu
Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, former Special Adviser on Strategy and Information Management to Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has appealed for improved support for families of the seven journalists who died recently in a road accident in the state.
The tragedy occurred on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, when seven journalists lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident along the Gombe–Yola highway while returning from a wedding ceremony in Kaltungo Local Government Area.
Six of the victims were staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Gombe, while the seventh was an information officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The journalists were returning in a Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) bus after the wedding, when one of the tyres of the bus reportedly bursted around Kumo town in Akko Local Government Area.
The bursted tyre caused the bus to veer off the road and plunge into nearby bushes, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe Sector Commander, Mr. Samson Kaura, confirmed that seven persons died in the crash, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Gombe Government House, Mr. Ismaila Misilli, also confirmed the death toll and said the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.
In response, the Gombe State Government approved and disbursed ₦14 million, giving ₦2 million to each bereaved family as immediate financial support.
Speaking during the disbursement, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the gesture reflected Gov. Yahaya’s commitment to easing the burden on the affected families.
Njodi added that the government had earlier provided support to the injured survivors and had taken full responsibility for their medical treatment.
“While no amount can replace the lives lost, His Excellency approved this assistance to help with burial expenses and immediate needs,” he said.
Speaking on the development, Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara-Gombe, who is the former Chairman of the Gombe Football Association, Gombe United FC, and the Gombe State Athletics Association, commended the government for the intervention, but however, observed that the ₦2 million support for each of the victims’ families was inadequate, considering the responsibilities left behind by the deceased journalists.
“These journalists were bread winners. There are rents, school fees, food and other daily responsibilities their families must still meet,” he said.
Gara-Gombe said he was deeply affected by the condition of the widows, noting that the future appeared uncertain without stronger institutional support.
He appealed to the governor to approve an additional ₦3 million for each family and grant scholarships up to university level for the children of the deceased.
“The state can still do more. An enhanced package will give the families a sense of security and lasting support,” he noted.
He also urged the government to provide a new bus for the NUJ Gombe State Council and complete the NUJ Secretariat in honour of the fallen journalists.
Gara-Gombe proposed that the completed complex be named “NUJ 7 Secretariat” to immortalise the deceased.
On the accident’s cause, he said official reports were still awaited but noted that information available to him pointed to a tyre burst.
He recalled facilitating the donation of two buses to the NUJ and Correspondents’ Chapel during his tenure, adding that requests for new tyres were not followed up.
“There are issues within the media management system that require urgent correction. Some actions do not serve the interest of the governor,” he warned.
Gara-Gombe also criticised the absence of a dedicated vehicle for journalists in the governor’s convoy, describing it as contrary to standard practice.
He further called for an investigation into alleged poor welfare packages given to journalists during the last budget presentation.
As the administration enters a critical phase, Gara-Gombe expressed confidence that the governor would address the concerns in the interest of the media and the bereaved families.
