Nathaniel Abimbola, a journalist working with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) in Osogbo, was among the five persons who died in an auto crash which occurred at Asejire end of Osun on Friday.

Some other people sustained injuries in the 18-seater bus taking them to the headquarters of the Celestial Church of Christ in Imeko, Ogun State.

His friends put his age at 48. The journalist marked his birthday on 26th of February.

Abimbola, a graduate of University of Ibadan, was attached to the State Assembly and had been on the beat for 10 years.

Four others who died alongside Abimbola were all members of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Ayetoro Osogbo.

The driver of the bus was said to have lost the brake of the vehicle before ramming into a stationary Nigerian Bottling Company Coca-Cola truck.

Those that sustained injuries in the accident are being treated at state hospital Ibadan and Ikire.

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola has expressed grief over Abimbola’s death.

Aregbesola in a condolence message signed by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, in Osogbo on Saturday said the death of Abimbola has robbed the state-owned media organisation of one of its most dependable hands.

“This is sudden and tragic. Abimbola has shown himself as a reliable hand in the business of dissemination of information.

“His life was short but was eventful. He has demonstrated capacity for professional excellence but he has come to the end of his journey.

“We console ourselves with the reality that death is a necessary end that must come when it is our time,” the governor said.

He urged the entire OSBC family to take the loss with equanimity.

Also, the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has declared a seven-day mourning for Abimbola.

Mr. Mr Biodun Olalere, chairman of the union, described Abimbola as a man loved by all through his penchant for peace and hard work.

Also, the State House of Assembly, has described Abimbola’s death as a rude shock.

In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the assembly said Nathaniel’s death was like a strange dream.

Abimbola, who attended Oluponna Community High School, in Osogbo, was survived by an aged mother, wife and three children – two boys and a girl. (NAN)

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