By Hassan Ibrahim
Bauchi State Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Hajara Yakubu Wanka has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of two journalists Mr. Kani Ben of Channels Television and Mr. Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah of Bauchi State Television, who lost their lives after sustaining injuries in a road accident while on official duty covering the activities of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The Commissioner who stated this when she led officials of the ministry to a condolence visit to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), said that their sudden demise is not only a painful loss to their families but also a devastating blow to the entire journalism community in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
Wanka said, "It is with profound sorrow, but total submission to the will of Allah, that we received the tragic news of the passing of two dedicated media professionals, Mr. Kani Ben of Channels Television and Mr. Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah of Bauchi State Television, who lost their lives after sustaining injuries in a road accident."
She explained, "The late Kani Ben and Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah were known among colleagues as hardworking, courageous, and highly committed professionals who carried out their duties with passion and integrity. As cameramen, they played a critical role in bringing stories to life and ensuring that the public remained informed about events shaping society. Their dedication to duty, even in demanding circumstances, reflects the spirit of sacrifice that defines responsible journalism.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Bauchi State Council, as well as to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. We share in the pain of this irreparable loss and pray that the Almighty grants their families the strength and fortitude to bear this difficult moment.
Wanka, who was also a journalist, noted that while their lives were tragically cut short in the line of duty, the legacy of professionalism, humility, and commitment they left behind will continue to inspire journalists across Bauchi State and beyond. May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their contributions to the noble profession of journalism never be forgotten.
The Commissioner prayed for Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest and to give their family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
It will be recalled that 13 journalists from various media organisations including the deceased were involved in the crash while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) projects in the state. All the victims sustained various degrees of injuries, including head injuries, bruises, and compound fractures.
The accident occurred on Friday 6 February 2026 along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, shortly after the delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu,commissioned and handed over a Government Secondary School (GSS) in Yelwan Duguri.
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