Death Of 2 Journalists: Bauchi Sacks Officer Over Reckless Driving

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has terminated the appointment of Aminu Abdullahi, a clerical assistant, from the state service over misconduct.

The decision was part of resolutions reached during the commission’s 13th plenary session held on Tuesday, at its conference hall.

According to the commission, Abdullahi’s dismissal followed an incident involving negligence while performing an assigned duty. The act was found to be in violation of Rules 0312 and 0327 of the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations.

Abdullahi, who was on Grade Level 03 and attached to the Ministry of Higher Education, had been directed under “any other duty” to drive a team of journalists covering project commissioning activities of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Alkaleri local government area of the state.

Aminu was accused of reckless driving, which resulted in a fatal accident involving 13 journalists. Two persons lost their lives in the incident including Channels Television cameraman, Kani Ben, and Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah of the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The accident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi, Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi.

In a statement issued yesterday by the commission’s information officer, Saleh Umar, the action taken against Abdullahi followed recommendations from the Ministry of Higher Education and resolutions of the State Executive Council on the disciplinary matter.

The commission also queried the management of the Ministry of Higher Education for assigning driving duties to a clerical officer.

Meanwhile, the commission approved the conversion of 10 officers across various cadres. These include the conversion of Principal Livestock Superintendents on Grade Level 12 to Principal Livestock Officers, and Chief Produce Inspectors on Grade Level 07 to Produce Superintendents.

Other conversions include Chief Route Overseer (GL07) to Livestock Superintendent, Chief Clerical Officer (GL07) to Livestock Superintendent, and a Pre-Clinical Student on GL06 upgraded and converted to Veterinary Officer II on GL12.

Additionally, a Craftsman (Carpentry) on GL04 was upgraded and converted to Land Officer II (GL08), while a Chief Technical Assistant (GL07) was converted to Town Planning Officer on the same grade. A Chief Clerical Officer (GL07) was also converted to Higher Technical Officer (Survey) on GL08. One conversion case was deferred due to lack of vacancy.

The commission further approved the promotion of over 30 officers to their next grade levels. Those promoted include officers in the cadres of Assistant Chief Estate Officer, Principal Trade Officers I and II, Principal Technical Officers (Survey), Principal Executive Officers I and II, Data Processing Officers, Senior Works Superintendents, and Technical Officers (Cartography), across Grade Levels 07, 09, 10, and 12.

A total of 44 cases from the Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, Livestock and Services, and Higher Education were considered during the session.