Table of Contents

  1. Call for Stronger Action
  2. Tragic Accident Overview
  3. Condolences Extended
  4. Additional Fatalities
  5. Call for Improved Road Safety

The Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) has urged authorities to implement more effective measures to prevent unnecessary fatalities on the nation’s roads, following the heartbreaking deaths of seven journalists and media professionals in Gombe State.

It is important to remember that the tragic accident took place along the Biliri–Kumo road, leaving the Nigerian media industry and the entire nation in mourning.

In a statement dated January 1, 2026, and signed by SDNON President Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo, the organization referred to the incident as an immense loss.

He honored the deceased as committed professionals whose contributions to public enlightenment and service will always be cherished.

SDNON expressed its condolences to the Gombe State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), StarTimes, the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board, and the broader media community.

The organization also extended its sympathy to those injured in the accident, wishing them a swift and complete recovery.

Additionally, SDNON mourned two more fatalities in a separate incident involving British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The society offered prayers for comfort for the grieving families and a quick recovery for Joshua.

Furthermore, SDNON called for a united effort to enhance road safety across the nation, highlighting the urgent necessity to avert such tragedies in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did SDNON urge authorities to do?

SDNON urged authorities to take stronger action to prevent avoidable deaths on the nation's roads.

What incident led to SDNON's statement?

The statement was prompted by a tragic accident in Gombe State that resulted in the deaths of seven journalists and media professionals.

Who did SDNON express condolences to?

SDNON extended condolences to the Gombe State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and various media organizations.

What additional incident was mentioned?

Another incident involved British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua, who was involved in a separate accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.