The Gombe State Government has donated a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the state.

The journalists reportedly died on Monday while returning from a colleague’s wedding ceremony in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The financial support was presented on Friday on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abubakar Njodi, who announced that each affected family received ₦2 million.

Speaking during the presentation in Gombe, Njodi described the gesture as a token of support to help the bereaved families with burial and immediate expenses, noting that the incident deeply saddened the state government.

He said the tragedy was particularly painful because it involved several journalists in a single accident, adding that the deceased had played important roles in information dissemination and the development of the state.

“This incident shook us deeply,” Njodi said. “These were colleagues we worked with regularly—journalists who came here daily for official assignments and engagements.

“We know money cannot replace any life lost, but Governor Inuwa Yahaya has directed that this support be given to help the families during this difficult period, especially with burial arrangements.”

Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its prompt intervention and support since the tragedy occurred.

Yahya recalled similar fatal accidents involving journalists in Plateau, Akwa Ibom and Adamawa states, lamenting the recurring dangers journalists face while carrying out their professional duties.

He stressed the need for better welfare policies and comprehensive insurance coverage for media practitioners across Nigeria, disclosing that the NUJ plans to launch a new insurance scheme by March to enhance journalists’ health, safety and overall well-being.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, described the incident as devastating and commended the state government for standing with the families of the deceased during what he called a painful moment.