Solidarity in Bauchi: NEDC, NUJ Gombe, and Governor Bala Mohammed Rally Behind Injured JournalistsFrom Abdulwahab Muhammad SSA Communication to Governor Bala Abdulkadir of BauchiPublished by Alphapressmedia

The journalism community in Bauchi State has received an outpouring of sympathy and support following the tragic road accident that injured 13 journalists covering the commissioning of North East Development Commission (NEDC) projects. The IncidentOn Friday, 6th February 2026, a vehicle conveying journalists from various media organisations was involved in a crash along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The victims included reporters and cameramen from Channels Television, AIT, NTA, Arise TV, The Guardian, The Nation, NAN, Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), Bauchi State Television (BATV), and other outlets, as well as the driver of the vehicle. They were rushed to Yelwan Duguri Hospital for emergency care before being transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. NEDC’s ResponseIn a statement signed by Abba Musa, Head of Corporate Services, the NEDC Governing Board and Management expressed heartfelt sympathies to the NUJ Bauchi State Council, the Bauchi State Government, and the families of the victims. The Commission approved full medical support and assistance for the injured journalists and their families, pledging to engage with affected media organisations to ensure comprehensive care. On Saturday, a delegation led by Dr. Batulu Isa Mohammed, NEDC’s General Manager for Humanitarian Affairs, visited the victims at ATBUTH. Dr. Mohammed, who had earlier facilitated their emergency treatment, assured the journalists and their families of the Commission’s unwavering support. She described journalists as “partners in progress” whose contributions are vital to the Commission’s work and the development of the North-East. NUJ Gombe’s SolidarityThe Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, also joined in expressing solidarity. Chairman Faruk Muazu Gombe conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of the victims and commended medical personnel and government officials for their swift response. He emphasized that the incident underscores the risks journalists face daily and urged stakeholders to prioritize their safety and welfare during official assignments. Governor Bala Mohammed’s VisitAdding to the wave of support, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON), personally visited the injured journalists at ATBUTH. He offered prayers for their recovery and directed hospital authorities to provide all necessary drugs and medical care. The Governor assured that the Bauchi State Government would take full responsibility for the journalists’ treatment until complete recovery. Governor Bala Mohammed praised doctors and hospital staff for their dedication and called on Allah to protect the state from future tragedies. His visit reinforced the government’s commitment to the welfare of media practitioners and highlighted the crucial role journalists play in informing the public and supporting development efforts. A United FrontThe combined responses from the NEDC, NUJ Gombe State Council, and Governor Bala Mohammed reflect a united front of institutional responsibility, professional solidarity, and political leadership. Together, they underscore the importance of safeguarding journalists who risk their lives to keep society informed. As the injured journalists continue their recovery, the collective support they have received serves as a powerful reminder of the value of their work — and the duty of institutions to protect them. End