The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission has terminated the appointment of a Clerical Assistant attached to the Ministry of Information and Communications over “recklessness and negligence in the discharge of official duty” that the Commission said led to the death of two journalists in the state.
The decision was taken during the Commission’s plenary session held on 15 April 2026, after a disciplinary committee found the officer culpable of actions that contravened Bauchi State Public Service Regulations 0327 (x) and (xxii), which cover serious misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the image of the service.
Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Mr. Saleh Umar, confirmed the termination in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday. “The Commission approved the termination of the Clerical Assistant with immediate effect following established cases of recklessness that resulted in the unfortunate death of two journalists,” Umar said.
He explained that the officer was indicted for failing to adhere to safety protocols while coordinating an official media convoy for a government inspection tour in Dass Local Government Area on 2 April 2026. According to findings of the investigative panel, the Clerical Assistant released a government project vehicle to an unauthorized driver despite knowing the vehicle had faulty brakes. The vehicle, conveying two journalists from the Bauchi State Television Authority and Globe FM Bauchi, lost control along the Bauchi-Dass Road and crashed.
“The officers were found liable for misconduct contrary to Bauchi State Public Service Regulations 0327 (x) and (xxii) and were dismissed under rules 0330 to serve as deterrent,” Umar stated. “The Commission’s decision was taken to uphold discipline and to assure the public that acts of negligence that endanger lives will not be tolerated in the civil service.”
The two journalists were confirmed dead at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, shortly after the accident. The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bauchi State Council, had petitioned the Head of Civil Service demanding a full probe, describing the incident as “avoidable and caused by a complete disregard for basic safety checks”.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for misconduct. “Civil servants must strictly adhere to the Public Service Rules, internal and external circulars, and ethical guidelines in the discharge of their duties,” Muhammad said. “Adherence to laid-down laws and procedures is essential to rid the system of unlawful practices and enhance service delivery that is free from negligence and corruption.”
The Commission added that the next of kin of the deceased journalists have been contacted and that it will work with the Ministry of Information and Communications to ensure appropriate compensation is paid in line with civil service provisions.
The termination takes immediate effect, and the Commission said it has directed that all outstanding entitlements due to the dismissed officer be withheld pending recovery of costs associated with the damaged government vehicle.
