The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has conveyed its profound sympathy to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Chapter, and the Bauchi State Government following a fatal road accident on the Bauchi–Alkaleri road on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The collision involved journalists traveling with an NEDC delegation to commission and hand over completed development projects in Bauchi State. According to reports, the incident resulted in casualties among the media personnel covering the commission’s activities.
In a formal statement, the NEDC’s governing board, management, and staff described the event as “heartbreaking.” The statement, signed by Abba Musa, Head of Corporate Services, extended heartfelt condolences to the injured journalists, the families of the deceased, and the wider journalism community.
The commission announced that its governing board has authorized comprehensive support for the victims and their families. Efforts are underway to coordinate assistance directly with the affected journalists’ media organizations and relatives.
The NEDC also joined calls for the speedy recovery of those injured in the crash. This tragedy underscores the occupational hazards faced by journalists, particularly in regions where infrastructure and road safety remain significant concerns.
The accident occurred just weeks after a separate, deadly road incident in Gombe State that claimed the lives of at least seven journalists and media workers. The recurrence of such events has intensified industry-wide reflection on safety protocols for media professionals on assignment in Nigeria’s North East region.
The NEDC’s response highlights the intersection of developmental work and media engagement in the region, where projects often require extensive travel on challenging road networks. The commission’s commitment to supporting the victims aligns with broader calls for enhanced safety measures for journalists documenting reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the area.
