The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed deep condolences to the families of journalists who died in a fatal road accident in Gombe State, as well as to the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Gombe State Government.
Seven journalists lost their lives on Monday in a car crash along the Billiri–Kumo Road while returning from a colleague’s wedding in Kaltungo. Four others sustained injuries of varying degrees and are receiving medical treatment.
In a statement on Tuesday, SWAN Secretary-General Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo quoted the association’s President, Isaiah Benjamin, describing the accident as “tragic and heartbreaking.” Benjamin said the news came as a shock and called the loss of seven journalists at once a “painful blow to the profession.”
He prayed for divine comfort for the families of the deceased and for members of the journalism community affected by the tragedy.
“The news of the death of these bright stars in the journalism profession came to me as a shock. I have been sad and speechless since yesterday. Losing seven journalists at the same time in such a devastating manner is extremely painful. My prayer is that God Almighty comforts their relatives and all of us in the profession,” Benjamin said.
In a related statement, Benjamin also condoled world boxing star Anthony Joshua over the death of two of his associates in a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. He described the incident as regrettable and noted that the deceased were valuable members of Joshua’s team. Benjamin also prayed for the boxer’s speedy recovery from injuries sustained in the accident.
“On behalf of sports journalists in Nigeria, I commiserate with Anthony Joshua and pray that God consoles him and grants him a speedy recovery,” he said, adding that Joshua’s life and career continue to inspire young people.
It is recalled that Joshua recently featured in a high-profile bout, further highlighting his global standing in boxing.