The Bauchi media community has suffered another loss, as a second cameraman involved in a recent road accident has died, days after the burial of Channels Television’s Kani Ben.
Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, 56, a cameraman with Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), died in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he had been receiving treatment for three weeks for injuries sustained in the crash.
His death follows that of Kani Ben, who died on February 15, 2026, from injuries suffered in the same accident. Ben was buried last Saturday in Kangling, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
DAILY POST reports that the accident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Friday, February 6, while journalists were covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Thirteen journalists from various media organisations were involved.
The team was led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau. The convoy was heading to commission the Bara Bridge linking Bauchi and Gombe states when the crash occurred.
Kabiru and Ben were the most critically injured. They were initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Kabiru later underwent surgery and was transferred to the Surgical Complex, where he remained until his death. Other journalists who sustained injuries, including head wounds, bruises and fractures, have since been treated and discharged.
The affected reporters represented Channels Television, the News Agency of Nigeria, African Independent Television, the Nigerian Television Authority, Arise News, and DAILY POST. They were part of the media team covering the inspection and commissioning of NEDC projects.
Kabiru is survived by his mother, two wives, seven children and other relatives. He also held the traditional title of Matawallen Uban Dawakin Bauchi. He formally retired from the Bauchi State Government as a BATV staff member on February 18, 2026, while still receiving treatment at the hospital.
His funeral prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bauchi, Malam Ahmad Inuwa Na’ibi, at the Bauchi Central Mosque at 2:15 pm on Sunday, after which he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to the development, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed sorrow over Kabiru’s death. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described him as a dedicated and hardworking media professional who served the state with commitment.
He extended condolences to the family, the management and staff of BATV, the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community. He also prayed for the repose of the deceased and for strength for his family and colleagues.
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the welfare and safety of journalists in the state.
With the deaths of both cameramen, the accident has now claimed two lives, marking a difficult period for journalists in Bauchi State.
