February 6, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
BAUCHI, Nigeria — A group of journalists covering activities of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) were involved in a road accident on Friday while travelling to report on development initiatives in Bauchi State, media and eyewitness accounts confirmed. The incident has drawn concern from press associations and underscores ongoing safety issues faced by reporters covering assignments in Nigeria’s northeast region.
According to journalists who were part of the convoy, the accident occurred along the Bauchi-Gombe Road, a major inter-state highway linking Bauchi with neighbouring states. Their vehicle part of a media team travelling to cover stories on infrastructure projects and community engagement by the NEDC — reportedly skidded off the road and collided with an embankment under unclear conditions.
Officials of the press delegation said the team was en route to document recent work by NEDC officials, including assessments of road rehabilitation, youth programmes, and private sector partnerships aimed at recovery and economic activity in states affected by insurgency and post-conflict rebuilding. Bauchi State has been a focal point for such coverage due to ongoing development efforts.
Emergency responders from local agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Bauchi State Traffic Management Authority, arrived at the scene shortly after receiving distress calls. Journalists and crew members were treated on site for injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to moderate discomfort; none were reported to be in life-threatening condition.
One of the journalists present described the moment the vehicle left its lane, attributing the mishap in part to slippery sections of the road surface and ongoing traffic conditions. “We were moving at a careful speed when the vehicle suddenly lost traction,” the reporter said. “Thankfully, everyone is conscious and receiving care, and we are grateful emergency officials responded quickly.”
Media unions and professional bodies have since expressed concern for the safety of journalists on assignment, particularly when travelling long distances under challenging conditions to cover development stories in remote or less-served regions. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi issued a statement urging authorities to prioritise road safety infrastructure and to ensure that media professionals are afforded access to health insurance and protective logistics when on official duties.
The NEDC, the federal agency responsible for coordinating development interventions in Nigeria’s north-east zones, also released a message of support for the journalists involved, saying it was “relieved to hear no fatalities were reported” and that it stood ready to assist in any necessary follow-ups, including coverage rescheduling and logistical support for the team’s return to Abuja.
Road travel remains a significant risk factor for Nigerian journalists in many parts of the country, with long distances, variable road conditions, and sporadic vehicle maintenance issues contributing to accidents on assignments ranging from political coverage to infrastructure reporting. In recent years, media organisations have called on both federal and state governments to improve highway safety features, emergency response capacity, and travel support for reporters on official trips.
Authorities at the FRSC’s Bauchi command said an investigation into the crash is underway to determine contributing factors, including road surface conditions, vehicle speed, and driver experience. Meanwhile, the journalists involved have been transported to medical facilities for further check-ups, with many expected to resume work once cleared by attending physicians.