From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Kani Ben, a cameraman with Channels Television, who died from injuries sustained in a motor accident while on official assignment in Bauchi State.
Kani Ben, whose full name was Pwakaniso Ben Sylvanus, was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Kangling, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State. He was 43 years old.
Born on May 28, 1982, the journalist passed away in the early hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Intensive Care Unit of the Modular Theatre Complex, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.
He had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a motor accident that occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State while on official duty. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The crash involved at least 13 journalists from various media organisations who were covering the commissioning and handover of projects executed by the NEDC to the Bauchi State Government.
In a condolence message delivered during the burial, the NEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed G. Alkali, described Kani’s death in active service as a painful loss and a testament to his dedication to duty and the vital role of the media in society.
Represented by Naomi Abwaku from the Corporate Services Unit, the Managing Director said, “On behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the Commission, I extend our sincere condolences to his family, Channels Television, the Bauchi State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community.”
Also speaking at the burial event, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep sympathy and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the journalism community over the tragic incident.
The governor announced the automatic employment of the late journalist’s wife into the Bauchi State Civil Service as a gesture of support to the family.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Usman Shehu Usman, the governor noted that he had personally visited the injured journalists at ATBUTH and directed his personal physician to remain with them to ensure proper medical attention.
The Commissioner, accompanied by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar M. Gidado, paid tribute to the late cameraman, describing him as a dedicated professional, humble colleague, and a man of dignity who earned respect through hard work and commitment to his craft.
