National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mallam Garba Mohammed, yesterday declared a seven-day mourning by journalists in the country, for three of their colleagues who died in a Friday auto crash at Osu, near Ilesa in Osun State.
Also, the Osun State Government has offset the hospital bills of the 10 victims of the crash who were seriously injured and are now hospitalised at the Ladoke Akintola University College of Teaching Hospital in Osogbo , the Osun State capital
Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo on the death of the three journalists, the National Chairman directed all states, chapels and the national body of the union to observe the period which he said should be meant for sober reflection for the departed souls.
Mallam Muhammed further stated that all activities of the union should be suspended with immediate effect to honour the deceased persons. He charged journalists to intensify efforts the more in prayer to seek for God's guidance and protection at all times.
The National President thanked both the deputy governor of the state, Mrs. Laoye Tomori, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere, particularly, for their presence in the hospital throughout the night the victims were brought to the place.
He also thanked the management team of LAUTECH led by its Chief Medical Director, Professor Femi Fadiora, describing their empathy and affection throughout the period as fantastic.
The state governor who was represented by Akere commiserated with the families of the departed souls and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident and assured that the state government would do its best to see that their welfare are adequately attended to.
