The accident scene
No fewer than 14 journalists sustained varying degrees of injuries following a road accident on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Duguri–Yashi Highway in Bauchi State.
The journalists were on official assignment covering the commissioning and inspection of projects executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) across the state when the near-fatal accident occurred.
Immediately after the incident, the injured journalists were rushed to Yelwan Duguri Hospital, where they received emergency first-aid treatment before being transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for comprehensive medical care.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that journalists with minor injuries were treated and discharged at ATBUTH, while those with more severe conditions were admitted to the hospital’s Trauma Centre, with some receiving intensive care at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, the Adviser on Media and Publicity, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, and the Director of Media at Government House visited the injured journalists at the hospital to assess their condition and offer words of encouragement.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, assured the victims of the state government’s concern and support.
The governor sympathised with the injured journalists, their families, and respective media organisations, describing the accident as “unfortunate.”
He added that “the Bauchi State Government and people appreciate their sacrifice,” and prayed for their quick recovery.
Humanitarian commissioner commiserates with NUJ
Also reacting, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, over the accident involving journalists on official duty.
In a statement issued by her office, Hon. Wanka described the incident as unfortunate and expressed 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 and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, urging them to remain hopeful as they receive medical attention.
The commissioner further reassured the NUJ of the Bauchi State Government’s solidarity, noting that the media remains a critical partner in development, accountability, and public enlightenment.
Gombe NUJ, NEDC Express Solidarity
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, also sent a solidarity message to its Bauchi counterpart.
In a sympathy message, the council stated: “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.”
The accident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area while the journalists were covering the inauguration of NEDC projects by a delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, alongside board members, top management of the commission, and senior government officials.
The NUJ Gombe Council added: “The Gombe State NUJ stands in solidarity with the NUJ Bauchi State Council and the victims of this unfortunate incident. 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.”
It also praised the swift response of medical personnel and government officials, noting that “this tragic event underscores the risks journalists face in the line of duty.”
*NEDC approves full medical support*
Meanwhile, the management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) expressed deep sympathy with the injured journalists.
In a statement issued 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), Bauchi State Council, and the Bauchi State Government.
The commission disclosed that its Governing Board had approved the provision of full medical support and care for the injured journalists, as well as assistance to their families.
It added that efforts were already underway to reach out to the respective media organisations and families of those affected.
NEDC joins the journalism community in praying for the quick and total recovery of the victims, the statement said.
*Affected media organisations*
Those injured in the accident include journalists from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), The Guardian and The Nation Newspapers; a cameraman with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); correspondents and cameramen from Channels Television and Arise TV; a correspondent of Africa Independent Television (AIT); two reporters from Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC); a cameraman from Bauchi State Television (BATV); an online media reporter, and the driver of the vehicle.
No fatality was recorded.
