The Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, has expressed profound sadness and deep sense of loss on the tragic death of staff from NTA Gombe in a fatal auto accident along the Gombe–Boliri Road.
Also, the Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said he received the news with shock and deep emotional pain.
Thenewsbearer gathered that the accident involved journalists, staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe and Ministry of Information.
It reportedly occurred when the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of their colleague in Kaltungo.
Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident include Zarah Umar, Manager News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager Administration NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a Retired Manager News; Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The Director-General, who said that the Management and entire staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) received the heartbreaking news with shock, described the incident as a big loss of dedicated professionals.
He said that their commitment, camaraderie, and service to NTA and the nation will be sorely missed.
“Their passing under such painful circumstances is a great loss, not only to their immediate families and loved ones, but also to the NTA family as a whole.
“On behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, i extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the management and staff of NTA Gombe, and all who were affected by this tragedy.
“We share in your grief and sorrow during this very difficult time. We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grant the departed eternal rest and forgive their shortcomings.
“May He also grant their families, colleagues, and friends the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace,” DG Dembos stated.
In his own words, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss goes beyond families and institutions to the very soul of the state media and public service community.
The Governor said the deceased were committed professionals who dedicated their lives to informing, educating and serving the people, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to journalism, public service and governance in Gombe State.
“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the Governor said.
He condoled the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority and the entire media within and beyond Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grave concern for the injured victims currently receiving medical attention, including Emmanuel Akila (NTA Government House Correspondent), Steven Doddo of NTA Marketing Department, Nina Gadal (Ministry of Information), and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA, assuring them of the government’s full support.
“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery,” he said.
