Channels TV cameraman Kani Ben dies following Bauchi convoy crash
Cameraman Dies in Road Accident Covering NEDC Projects in Bauchi
Bauchi, Nigeria — Kani Ben, a cameraman for Channels Television, has died from injuries sustained in a road accident while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi State.
The incident occurred on February 7 when a bus carrying a group of journalists lost control and overturned multiple times. Hajara Aliyu, another reporter from Channels Television, narrowly escaped injury in the crash.
The Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) issued a statement expressing shock over the tragedy. “The death of our colleague, Kani Ben, who was among the victims of the recent accident involving 13 journalists, is deeply shocking,” the statement read. The union extended condolences to Ben’s family, colleagues, and associates, and announced the suspension of a planned congress meeting originally scheduled for February 16 until further notice.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed also expressed sorrow over Ben’s passing in a statement released by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado. The governor described Ben’s death as “painful and heartbreaking” and commended his dedication and courage. He noted that despite the efforts of medical personnel, Ben passed away early on February 7 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, following initial treatment at Yelwan Duguri Hospital.
Reports indicate that Kani Ben is the only fatality from the accident, which involved journalists from various media organizations, including African Independent Television (AIT), the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
The crash occurred along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in the Alkaleri Local Government Area shortly after a delegation led by Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, along with Bauchi State Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, commissioned a Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri. The convoy was en route to another project site, the Bara Bridge, near the border of Bauchi and Gombe states.
In the aftermath of the accident, injured journalists were initially taken to Yelwan Duguri Hospital for emergency care before being transferred to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Bauchi Specialist Hospital.
