By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
In the aftermath of a road crash that shook Nigeria’s media community and drew international attention, grief and gratitude have converged in equal measure.
The President of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Hajiya Dr. Nafisa Shehu Mohammed, has expressed deep condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following the death of six journalists in the fatal road traffic accident that also claimed two other lives and left global boxing icon Anthony Joshua injured.
The crash, which instantly became a national talking point because of the high-profile survivor, has now assumed a deeper meaning, one that goes beyond celebrity and centres on loss, professionalism, and institutional response.
In her message, Dr. Nafisa commiserated with the NUJ and the families of all eight victims, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the unforgiving nature of Nigeria’s highways.
She noted that while the loss of the journalists has left a deep scar within the media community, the grief of the other bereaved families is equally profound.
Amid the mourning, however, she singled out the response of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for commendation.
According to the ROSOWA President, FRSC personnel demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism through their swift deployment to the crash scene, the orderly management of traffic, and the prompt rescue and evacuation of victims including Anthony Joshua.
She described the operation as a clear reflection of preparedness, discipline, and a strong commitment to the preservation of life.
“The effectiveness of the rescue effort ensured that further danger was averted,” she noted, adding that timely medical attention was made possible because the officers acted decisively under pressure.
Dr. Nafisa said she was particularly encouraged by the wave of positive reactions from Nigerians and members of the international community, interpreting the public feedback as a rare but powerful endorsement of the FRSC’s capacity to respond to emergencies with speed and professionalism.
She also drew attention to the often-unseen cost of road safety work, stressing that the risks taken by FRSC personnel are borne not only by the officers themselves but also by their families.
She assured serving officers of ROSOWA’s continued support, describing the association as a pillar for families whose loved ones confront danger daily in the line of duty.
Using the tragedy as a cautionary moment, the ROSOWA President urged motorists to strictly obey traffic regulations, particularly speed limits, warning that many road crashes remain preventable.
Responsible driving, she stressed, is the most effective form of road safety enforcement.
While extending prayers and condolences to the families of the deceased, Dr. Nafisa also wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery, noting that his survival underscores the importance of rapid emergency response.
As Nigeria reflects on the incident, the crash has become more than a headline.
It is a stark intersection of loss and responsibility, a reminder that while the roads can be unforgiving, preparedness, discipline, and human resolve can still make the difference between life and death.
