At least 13 journalists from various media organisations were seriously injured on Friday in Bauchi State following a road crash while covering the commissioning of projects by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).
The incident has drawn widespread concern about road safety and the welfare of journalists covering official assignments in the region.
The accident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area when the vehicle conveying the journalists veered off the road and tumbled multiple times.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when the vehicle somersaulted, throwing several occupants onto the roadside.
The crash left the journalists with a range of injuries, highlighting the dangers journalists often face in the course of reporting.
The journalists’ accident in Bauchi happened shortly after the delegation, led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, had commissioned and handed over a newly constructed Government Secondary School (GSS) in Yelwan Duguri.
The event was part of ongoing NEDC efforts to promote infrastructure development in the North-East region.
Officials and journalists had gathered at the site to document the project’s handover when the tragic incident occurred.
Initial reports indicate that the injured sustained various injuries, including head trauma, compound fractures, and extensive bruises.
They were first taken to Yelwan Duguri Cottage Hospital, where emergency medical attention was provided.
Given the severity of some injuries, several victims were subsequently transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for specialised treatment and further care.
The injured journalists represented a wide range of media outlets. They included a reporter from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), correspondents from The Guardian,
The Nation, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), along with an NTA cameraman.
Also affected were correspondents and cameramen from Channels Television and Arise TV, a reporter from Africa Independent Television (AIT), two journalists from Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), a cameraman from Bauchi State Television (BATV), an online media reporter, and the vehicle driver.
Following the accident, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau Mohammed, led the Minister, NEDC management, and board members on a visit to the Cottage Hospital to express solidarity with the injured journalists.
During the visit, he ordered that all victims be moved to ATBUTH for specialised care.
“We are deeply concerned about the welfare of these journalists, who were here performing their professional duties.
“Their safety is paramount, and every effort must be made to ensure they receive proper treatment,” he said.
Rescue operations were carried out swiftly by fellow journalists, NEDC officials, and local sympathisers.
These first responders helped evacuate the injured from the crash site and ensured they received prompt medical attention.
Many of the rescuers described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with several journalists trapped in the overturned vehicle.
Their quick actions, however, likely prevented further casualties.
In addition to the physical injuries, the accident caused significant material damage. Several journalists lost mobile phones, cameras, and other professional equipment vital for reporting.
Many reporters expressed concern that these losses could disrupt their ongoing coverage of the NEDC projects and other important events in the region.
The journalists’ accident in Bauchi underscores the broader risks faced by media professionals covering developmental and governmental projects in Nigeria, particularly in areas with challenging road conditions.
Experts say such incidents highlight the need for stricter road safety measures, proper vehicle maintenance, and adequate planning for media convoys traveling on rural roads.
NEDC officials confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the welfare of the journalists.
In a statement, the commission vowed to provide support to the injured and called for increased awareness of road safety standards.
“We are committed to assisting the victims and ensuring that their health and professional needs are addressed,” the statement read.
Local residents who witnessed the accident described a scene of panic and urgency, with people rushing to help the injured.
“We heard the loud crash and ran to help. It was frightening, but we did our best to get everyone out safely,” said one witness.
As of Friday evening, all injured journalists were receiving medical care, and their condition is being closely monitored.
Health officials at ATBUTH confirmed that the victims are stable, though some require further surgery and rehabilitation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities journalists face while performing their duties.
Safety protocols, including well-maintained vehicles, trained drivers, and emergency response planning, are essential to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The journalists’ accident in Bauchi has prompted discussions among media organisations and government officials about strengthening protections for reporters in the field.
With road travel being an unavoidable part of reporting in Nigeria, ensuring journalists’ safety remains a priority for both media houses and public institutions.
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