FRSC Corps Marshal mourns journalists killed in Gombe road crash

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has commiserated with the National Union of Journalists following a fatal road traffic crash involving a bus conveying journalists from Yola to Gombe, which reportedly claimed the lives of six media professionals.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC boss said he “has received with profound grief the heartbreaking news of the fatal road traffic crash involving a bus conveying members of the National Union of Journalists en route from Yola to Gombe, which reportedly claimed the lives of six journalists.”

Mohammed described the incident as a major tragedy for both the media community and the country, noting that “the loss of journalists, voices of truth and conscience under such tragic circumstances is deeply painful and unacceptable.”

He expressed sympathy to those affected by the incident, offering condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased while also praying for those injured.

According to the statement, the corps marshal “expressed heartfelt sympathy to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, while praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and speedy recovery for those injured.”

The FRSC also pledged its support to the NUJ during the period of mourning. Mohammed said the corps “affirmed FRSC’s solidarity with the NUJ in this moment of immense sorrow and assured that the corps is closely monitoring developments, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to support emergency response and follow-up actions.”

Using the incident to reiterate safety concerns, the corps marshal renewed calls for compliance with traffic regulations, stressing that many crashes remain preventable.

He emphasised “strict adherence to road safety rules, particularly vehicle roadworthiness, tyre integrity and responsible speed management,” adding that “preventable factors continue to account for avoidable tragedies on Nigerian roads.”

He further urged motorists to cooperate with the FRSC, noting that the agency remains committed to reducing road accidents through enforcement, public education and collaboration.

According to him, “as an organisation with the mandate to manage road safety, emphasis has been placed more on enforcement, public education and collaboration with other stakeholders.”

culled from punch