By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
The management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sympathy with journalists who sustained injuries in a road accident while covering the commissioning of its projects in Bauchi State.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, over the road accident involving 13 journalists in the state.
The accident occurred on Friday, 6 February, 2026, when a vehicle conveying 13 journalists from various media organisations was involved in a ghastly crash along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri road in Alkaleri Local Government Area(LGA) of the state.
In a statement issued on weekend by the Head of Corporate Services of the Commission, Abba Musa, the NEDC Governing Board, Management and Staff conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), particularly the Bauchi State Council, and the Bauchi State Government over the unfortunate incident.
According to the statement, the accident occurred on Friday, 6 February, 2026, while the journalists were accompanying the Commission’s delegation on the commissioning and handover of completed projects across Bauchi State.
The Commission further disclosed that its Governing Board has approved the provision of full support and medical care to the injured journalists and assistance to their families.
It added that efforts are already underway to reach out to the respective media organisations and families of the affected journalists.
“The NEDC joins the journalism community in praying for the quick and total recovery of the victims,” the statement concluded.
Those injured in the incident are: reporters from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Guardian, the Nation Newspapers; a cameraman with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); correspondents and cameramen from Channels Television and Arise TV; a correspondent of the Africa Independent Television (AIT); two reporters from the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC); a cameraman from Bauchi State Television (BATV); an online media reporter, as well as the driver of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, over a road accident involving 13 journalists in the state.
In a statement issued by her office, Hon. Wanka described the incident as unfortunate and expressed deep concern over the safety of journalists who risk their lives daily in the course of informing the public.
She thanked Almighty God that no life was lost in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries, urging them to remain hopeful as they receive medical attention.
The Commissioner also reassured the NUJ Bauchi State Council of the state government’s solidarity with the affected journalists, noting that the government values the media as critical partners in development, accountability, and public enlightenment.
Hon. Wanka wished the injured journalists quick healing and encouraged media practitioners in the state to continue their patriotic service while prioritising safety at all times.
Also,the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, has received with deep concern the sad news of a road accident involving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel and other journalists in Bauchi State.
According to a Press release issued by Faruk Muazu Gombe,
Chairman, NUJ Gombe State Council which was made available to Journalists Saturday,the NUJ Gombe State Council stands in solidarity with the NUJ Bauchi State Council and the victims of this unfortunate incident.
He added that, “We extend our heartfelt prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured colleagues and call on relevant authorities to ensure they receive the best possible medical care.
“We also commend the swift response of medical personnel and government officials who facilitated the evacuation of the victims. This tragic event underscores the risks journalists face in the line of duty, and we urge all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and welfare of media practitioners during official assignments.
The Council then reiterated its unwavering support to the Bauchi Council in this trying moment and assures the affected journalists and their families of our solidarity.
