CAJ, Ex-NUJ President Mourn Seven Journalists Killed in Gombe Auto Crash

CAJ, Ex-NUJ President Mourn Seven Journalists Killed in Gombe Auto Crash

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) and the immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists in a fatal motor accident in Gombe State.

The victims, all members of the NUJ Gombe State Council, reportedly lost their lives in a ghastly crash while returning from an assignment undertaken to honour a colleague. The incident has plunged the journalism community into mourning, particularly as Gombe State is the home council of the current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.

In a condolence statement issued on Monday, December 29, 2025, Comrade Isiguzo described the incident as heartbreaking and a dark moment for the journalism profession in Nigeria and across Africa.

“On behalf of the Congress of African Journalists and in my personal capacity as immediate past National President of the NUJ, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the National President, the National Officers, and the entire leadership and members of the Gombe State Council of our great Union,” he said.

He also commiserated with the families, friends, and newsroom colleagues of the deceased journalists, while praying for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident.

According to Isiguzo, the departed journalists were dedicated professionals whose commitment to truth, society, and humanity would be greatly missed. He noted that their deaths represent not only a loss to their families and the NUJ, but to the entire journalism fraternity in Nigeria and beyond.

“These were journalists who travelled to honour a colleague and returned no more. We mourn extraordinary individuals who gave of themselves in service to humanity,” he added.

The former NUJ president called on members of the Union to remain united in solidarity, compassion, and faith during the difficult period, urging the leadership of the NUJ to draw strength in the face of the irreparable loss.

He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed souls, comfort for the bereaved families, healing for the injured, and divine strength for the NUJ leadership.

“Our hearts are broken, but our collective spirit remains unbowed,” the statement concluded.