Bauchi Accident: Gov Mohammed Visits Injured Journalists At ATBUTH
…assures quality medical attention
By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sympathised with the 13 journalists injured in a ghastly road accident while on the convoy of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Governor who led a delegation to the Emergency and Trauma Centre of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH, went round the wards to see each of the injured journalists, who were receiving emergency medical care from a team led by his personal physician.
He expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, assured victims of the crash of the state government’s support at what he described as a critical moment in their lives.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, had led a delegation comprising commissioners and other top government officials on a sympathy visit to the injured journalists.
Meanwhile, the management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sympathy with journalists injured in the accident, which occurred while they were covering the commissioning of the Commission’s projects in Bauchi State.
The accident happened on Friday along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area when a vehicle conveying the journalists was involved in a crash.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Corporate Services of the Commission, Abba Musa, the NEDC Governing Board, Management and Staff conveyed their heartfelt sympathy to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), particularly the Bauchi State Council, and the Bauchi State Government.
According to the statement, the accident occurred on February 6, 2026, while the journalists were accompanying the Commission’s delegation for the commissioning and handover of completed projects across the state.
The Commission disclosed that its Governing Board has approved full medical support for the injured journalists, as well as assistance to their families.
It added that efforts are already underway to reach out to the affected media organisations and families.
“The NEDC joins the journalism community in praying for the quick and total recovery of the victims,” the statement said.
Those injured include reporters from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), The Guardian and The Nation newspapers; a cameraman with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); correspondents and cameramen from Channels Television and Arise TV; a correspondent of Africa Independent Television (AIT); two reporters from the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC); a cameraman from Bauchi State Television (BATV); an online media reporter; and the driver of the vehicle.
Also, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has commiserated with the NUJ Bauchi State Council over the incident.
In a statement issued by her office, Wanka described the accident as unfortunate and expressed concern over the safety of journalists who risk their lives daily in the course of informing the public.
She thanked God that no life was lost and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, urging them to remain hopeful as they receive medical care.
The commissioner further reassured the NUJ of the state government’s solidarity, noting that the media remain critical partners in development, accountability and public enlightenment.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, expressed deep concern over the accident.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Faruk Muazu Gombe, the council said it stood in solidarity with the NUJ Bauchi State Council and the affected journalists.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured colleagues and commend the swift response of medical personnel and government officials who facilitated their evacuation,” the statement said.
The council noted that the incident highlights the risks journalists face in the line of duty and called on stakeholders to prioritise the safety and welfare of media practitioners during official assignments.
