Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, former Special Adviser on Strategy and Information Management to Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged the Gombe State Government to provide additional support for the families of seven journalists who died in a tragic road accident on December 29, 2025.
The accident occurred along the Gombe–Yola highway in Kaltungo Local Government Area, when a tyre reportedly burst on a Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) bus returning from a wedding ceremony. Six of the deceased were staff of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, while the seventh was an information officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe Sector confirmed that seven people lost their lives, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured were immediately taken to hospitals for treatment, according to Mr. Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Government House.
In response to the tragedy, the Gombe State Government approved ₦14 million in immediate financial support, giving ₦2 million to each bereaved family. Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the assistance was intended to help cover burial expenses and immediate needs, stressing that the government had also taken full responsibility for the medical treatment of survivors.
While commending the government for the gesture, Gara-Gombe described the ₦2 million support as inadequate considering the responsibilities left behind by the deceased journalists.
“These journalists were breadwinners. Their families still face rents, school fees, food, and other daily obligations,” he said.
Gara-Gombe called on Governor Yahaya to approve an additional ₦3 million for each family and to provide scholarships up to university level for the children of the deceased journalists. He also urged the government to donate a new bus for the NUJ Gombe State Council and complete the NUJ Secretariat in honour of the fallen journalists, proposing that the complex be named “NUJ 7 Secretariat” to immortalise their memory.
On the cause of the accident, he noted that official reports were pending but confirmed that information suggested a tyre burst was responsible. Gara-Gombe recalled that during his tenure, he had facilitated the donation of two buses to the NUJ, but requests for replacement tyres were not followed up.
He further criticised the absence of a dedicated vehicle for journalists in the governor’s convoy, describing it as a deviation from standard practice, and called for a review of journalists’ welfare packages during the last budget presentation.
Despite the criticisms, Gara-Gombe expressed confidence that Governor Yahaya would address the concerns in the interest of the media and the bereaved families as the administration enters a critical phase.