- …Gombe Govt to cover medical bills of survivors, assist with funeral expenses
By Joe Udo
GOMBE (CONVERSEER) – A funeral has been conducted for journalists who lost their lives in an accident in Gombe State. The funeral was attended by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and other government officials.
The deceased were among journalists and media workers involved in the fatal accident that occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while they were returning from Kaltungo, where they had attended the wedding ceremony of a colleague.
The funeral prayer, held at the Bubayero Central Mosque, Emir’s Palace, Gombe, on Tuesday, was led by Imam Aliyu Hammari and attracted a large turnout of sympathisers, including grieving family members, colleagues from the media industry and top government officials.
Among those in attendance was the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR.
A visibly saddened Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the demise of the seven journalists as a painful loss to Gombe State and the media profession, noting that the state had lost dedicated professionals who served with commitment.
After the funeral prayers, the Governor proceeded to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, to personally assess the condition of the survivors who are currently receiving medical attention.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the survivors, while praying for their speedy recovery.
“We must thank Almighty God for sparing their lives, not because they are better than those who passed on, but because it was destined so. Our most important duty now is to continue praying for their quick and complete recovery. For those who lost their lives, we will not relent in praying for the repose of their souls, in view of the enormous contributions they made to journalism and public service,” the Governor said.
He extended the state government’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their respective organisations and the entire media fraternity, urging them to accept the tragic loss as an act of God.
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Governor Inuwa Yahaya also announced that the Gombe State Government has taken over the full medical bills of all the injured victims, assuring that the government would provide every necessary support to aid their recovery.
“As a government, we will do everything within our means to support the victims and their families in this difficult time,” he assured.
During the visit to the Accident and Emergency Unit, the Governor was conducted round the ward by the Chairman of the Hospital Advisory Committee, Dr Bukar Lakube and Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, to assess the condition of the patients. He also extended financial support to other patients in the unit, to help cushion the burden on them and their families.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Commissioners; and other senior government officials.
