The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has wrapped the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, in a warm embrace of sympathy following a road mishap that disrupted official duties in the state.
The incident occurred while journalists were on assignment, covering the inauguration of NEDC projects across Bauchi. A vehicle conveying members of the press team was involved in the crash, casting a pall over what was meant to be a day of celebration.
In a statement released on Saturday in Bauchi by the commission’s Head of Corporate Services, Abba Musa, the NEDC expressed deep concern over the unfortunate turn of events.
According to the statement, the accident happened on Friday along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, involving a vehicle transporting 14 journalists from different media platforms, alongside a driver attached to the commission’s delegation.
Musa said: “The NEDC Governing Board, management and staff wish to extend its heartfelt sympathy to the NUJ, particularly the Bauchi State Council and the Bauchi State Government over the unfortunate incident.”
He noted that the crash occurred on February 6 during the inauguration and handover of completed projects across Bauchi State, stressing that the affected journalists were part of the media crew assigned to cover the exercise.
In a move aimed at turning compassion into action, Musa disclosed that the commission’s governing board had approved full medical care for the injured journalists, alongside support for their families. He added that steps were already being taken to reach out to the victims, their relatives and the media organisations involved.
Those injured cut across print, broadcast and online platforms, including reporters and cameramen from national newspapers, television stations, state-owned radio and television outfits, as well as an online media practitioner.
