Channels Television Cameraman Succumbs to Injuries Nine Days After Tragic Bauchi Road Accident
A dedicated cameraman with Channels Television, Kani Ben, has tragically passed away from severe spinal cord injuries sustained in a devastating road accident in Bauchi State. The fatal crash occurred on February 6, 2026, while Ben was among a group of journalists covering projects commissioned by the North East Development Commission.
Details of the Fatal Accident and Medical Efforts
The accident took place along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the vehicle carrying thirteen journalists from various media organizations attempted to overtake a convoy when it veered off the road and somersaulted multiple times, ejecting occupants from the vehicle. Kani Ben, who was seated in the front passenger seat, suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries in the collision.
Despite undergoing surgery just one day after the accident at the Modular Theatre Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Ben's condition remained critical. Medical personnel fought tirelessly to save his life, but he ultimately passed away at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, exactly nine days after the initial crash.
Governor Bala Mohammed's Heartfelt Condolences
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed profound sorrow over the cameraman's death, describing it as both painful and heartbreaking. In an official statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Governor Mohammed highlighted that Ben died while actively serving his professional duty of keeping Nigerian citizens informed.
"The late cameraman demonstrated exceptional dedication, courage, and responsibility until his final moments," Governor Mohammed stated. "His commitment to journalism was evident throughout his career, and his loss represents a significant blow to the media community in Nigeria."
The governor extended his deepest condolences to Ben's immediate family, including his surviving wife and two children, as well as to the management and staff of Channels Television, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the broader media fraternity across the nation.
Solidarity with the Media Community
Governor Mohammed emphasized the Bauchi State Government's unwavering solidarity with journalists who regularly risk their lives while performing their essential duties. He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Ben's soul and encouraged his family, friends, and colleagues to find strength during this profoundly difficult period of mourning.
The tragic incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by journalists working in challenging environments across Nigeria. The thirteen journalists involved in the accident sustained various injuries including head trauma, bruises, and compound fractures, though Kani Ben was the only fatality reported from the crash.
This devastating loss serves as a sobering reminder of the risks media professionals undertake while covering stories throughout the country, particularly in regions requiring extensive travel on potentially hazardous road networks.
