By Khalid Idris Doya
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a cameraman with the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, who died from injuries sustained in a recent road accident while on official duty in Bauchi state.
A delegation from the commission paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late cameraman to sympathise with his family over the tragic loss.
The accident 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.
Speaking yesterday during the visit on behalf of the commission, the Managing Director/CEO of NEDC, Mohammed G. Alkali, described the late cameraman's death as a painful loss, noting that he died while performing his professional duty.
Represented by Naomi Abwaku of the Corporate Services Department, Alkali said the commission recognised the dedication and sacrifices of media professionals who risk their lives in the course of their work.
"On behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the Commission, we extend our sincere condolences to family of late Kabiru Ilaleh, the Bauchi State Television Authority, the Bauchi State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community," she said.
She noted that the Commission had closely monitored the medical treatment of the journalists involved in the accident until they were discharged from hospital, describing the loss of two journalists as deeply painful.
Also speaking, the NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, said the commission had sent a delegation to sympathise with the family of the deceased.
He described the late Kabiru as a dedicated professional who served the state with commitment, adding that his sacrifice in the line of duty would not be forgotten.
He also disclosed that the commission provided financial assistance and food items to support the bereaved family during the difficult time.
He prayed for the late journalist, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdausy.
Responding on behalf of the family, the elder brother of the deceased, Salisu Abubakar Sadiq, expressed appreciation to the NEDC Managing Director and his team for the support and compassion shown to the family.
He thanked the commission for its concern and assistance throughout Kabiru’s treatment and after his death, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine care.
Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh died at the age of 56 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. He is survived by his mother, two wives, seven children and other relatives.
The late cameraman, who also held the traditional title of Matawallen Uban Dawakin Bauchi, had been battling severe neck injuries sustained in the accident.
Another cameraman involved in the crash, Kani Ben of Channels Television, died earlier from injuries he sustained in the same incident. He passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Intensive Care Unit of the Modular Theatre Complex of ATBUTH, Bauchi, at the age of 43. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Kabiru and Kani were the most critically injured among the victims of the accident. They were initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit before Kabiru was later transferred to the Surgical Complex after undergoing surgery.
The accident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State while the journalists were covering the commissioning of projects by the NEDC.
The NEDC delegation, which included Murtala Ali Umar of the Corporate Services Department and staff from the Bauchi State Office of the Commission, also visited journalists who are currently recuperating at home after being discharged from the hospital, to check on their condition and wish them a speedy recovery.
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