By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi
The Government and people of Bauchi State have been thrown into mourning following the death of Channels Television cameraman, Mr. Kani Ben, who died after sustaining injuries in a motor accident while on official assignment in Bauchi.
Mr. Ben was part of a team of journalists covering the commissioning of projects executed by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in the state. The assignment was attended by the Minister of State for Regional Development when the unfortunate accident occurred.
He was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where medical personnel battled to save his life. Sadly, he passed away in the early hours of Saturday.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, described the death as painful and heartbreaking, noting that the late cameraman died in active service while discharging his professional responsibilities.
Governor Mohammed commended Mr. Ben’s dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to journalism, stressing that he remained steadfast in his duty of keeping Nigerians informed until his final moments.
The Governor extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the management and staff of Channels Television, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the entire media community across the country.
He further assured journalists of the Bauchi State Government’s continued respect and support, acknowledging the risks media professionals take daily in the course of their duties.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Y. Suleiman, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the cameraman.
In a condolence message, the Speaker described Mr. Ben as a dedicated and committed professional who served as a cameraman attached to the Bauchi Government House, noting that he was widely admired for his humility, cheerful disposition, and respectful conduct.
Both the Governor and the Speaker prayed for the repose of Mr. Ben’s soul and asked God to grant strength and fortitude to his family, colleagues, and all those affected by his death, as Bauchi State joins the nation in mourning a journalist who died in service to humanity.
