NEDC Approves Full Medical Support for Journalists Injured in Bauchi Road Crash

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sympathy with 13 journalists injured in a road accident in Bauchi State.

The accident occurred on Friday along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area when the vehicle conveying the journalists was involved in a crash.

Those injured journalists include reporters from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), correspondents of The Guardian and The Nation newspapers; a cameraman with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); 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.

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 sympathy to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), particularly the Bauchi State Council, and the Bauchi State Government.

The statement disclosed that the Commission’s Governing Board has approved full medical support for the injured journalists, as well as assistance to their families, adding that efforts were 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.

Meanwhile the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has commiserated with the Nogeria Union of Journalists  (NUJ) Bauchi State Council over the accident involving 12 of their members.

Wanka described the accident as unfortunate saying it raised concerns about the risks journalists face daily in the course of their duties.

She thanked God that no life was lost and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, reassuring the NUJ of the state government’s solidarity and recognising the media as critical partners in development, accountability and public enlightenment.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, has expressed solidarity with the NUJ Bauchi State Council and the affected journalists, commending the swift response of medical personnel and government officials.

The council called on stakeholders to prioritise the safety and welfare of journalists during official assignments, noting the risks inherent in the profession.