Bauchi Govt Sacks Driver Over Death Of Two Journalists

The Bauchi State Government has dismissed a staff member, Aminu Abdullahi, after a road accident involving journalists on official duty led to the loss of two lives.

Naija News reports that the decision was announced on Wednesday by the State Civil Service Commission through its Information Officer, Saleh Umar. The commission said the worker was removed from service due to misconduct linked to carelessness while carrying out an assigned task.

Abdullahi, who worked as a clerical assistant in the Ministry of Higher Education, had been directed to perform an additional duty outside his regular role by driving a group of journalists. The team was on assignment to cover activities of the North East Development Commission during a project commissioning in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

During the trip, the vehicle he drove was involved in a crash that affected more than 10 journalists. Two people died in the incident, while several others suffered injuries of different levels.

The commission said the act went against the Bauchi State Public Service rules guiding conduct and responsibility. It added that the dismissal followed recommendations from the Ministry of Higher Education and the decision reached by the State Executive Council after reviewing the case.

It also said it had asked the ministry’s management to explain why a clerical officer was allowed to handle driving duties meant for a trained driver.