With a heavy heart, I write this tribute to my dear friend and colleague, Kabiru Ahmed Ilelahi, fondly known to us as Baba KB, a dedicated cameraman with Bauchi State Television.
Kabiru was not just a cameraman; he was a committed professional who carried his camera with passion and pride.
He believed in telling stories through his lens, capturing moments that mattered, and giving voice to development and progress in our society.
I invited him to cover the activities of the North East Development Commission projects in Bauchi, never imagining that the assignment would turn into such a heartbreaking tragedy. Initially he gave me an excuse but I insisted that we must work together because I always enjoy working with him.
He met me at the NUJ secretariat where I parked my vehicle and he carried me on his motorcycle to Maryama hotel from where we proceeded for the assignment
Upon returning to the hotel after the day's work, we proceeded to BATV again on his motorcycle to file my report and he took me back to NUJ secretariat to carry my vehicle. The same thing we did the next day.
For two days, we worked side by side, travelling in the same bus, sharing conversations, laughter, and the usual stress of field work. On the last day, we entered different vehicles — a moment that now feels heavy with meaning.
Kabiru was humble, calm, jovial and always ready to do his job with excellence. During our time together at BATV, he was more than a colleague; he was a brother and a friend. We shared good memories, and his cheerful spirit made every assignment lighter.
It is painful to know that Baba KB is gone. The vacuum he leaves behind cannot be easily filled. His dedication to journalism and visual storytelling will always be remembered.
The NEDC assignment was his last official duty because he was supposed to retire from service in the middle of February.
He died on a hospital bed a few days after active service, doing what he loved most — serving the public through his profession.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, colleagues, and friends the strength to bear this great loss.
Rest on, Baba KB. Your lens may be down, but your legacy lives on.
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