The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) have expressed deep sorrow over the death of journalists who lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Gombe State.
Six journalists reportedly died in the crash on Monday while returning from a wedding ceremony.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, conveyed the association’s condolences through its National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan.
She disclosed that two of the deceased were members of the Gombe State chapter of NAWOJ, adding that four other journalists sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Ibrahim extended the association’s sympathies to the families of the deceased, the injured journalists and the wider media community.
“This tragic incident is a painful loss to the journalism profession in Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and the quick recovery of those injured,” she said.
Similarly, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, described the incident as a major loss to the affected families, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) family and the nation.
Also reacting, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, described the deceased journalists as shining beacons of truth, courage and dedication to the journalism profession.
“Their departure leaves an irreplaceable void, but their legacy of fearless reporting and service to humanity will endure,” she said.
In the same vein, the President of the Congress of African Journalists, Mr Chris Isiguzo, described the incident as a dark and painful moment for journalism, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed.