Ten days after admission at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Kani Benjamin, Cameraman of Channels Television, one of the 13j journalists involved in a ghastly automobile crash while on convoy of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi, is dead.
A statement by Secretary of Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Isah Garba Gadau, said: “Bauchi State Council of the NUJ has received with huge shock, the death of our colleague, Kani Ben of Channels Television, who was one of the victims in the recent accident involving 13 Journalists while covering NEDC assignment in Bauchi.”
The Union expressed deepest sympathy to the immediate family of the deceased, NUJ family and associates
“While we await arrangements for the burial from his family, we wish to announce the suspension of our planned Congress earlier scheduled for tomorrow, Monday 16th February, until further notice.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Bauchi State, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Mr. Kani Ben, a dedicated cameraman with Channels Television, who passed away following injuries sustained in a motor accident while on official assignment in Bauchi.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, “Mr. Kani Ben was among Journalists covering the commissioning of projects executed by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development when the unfortunate accident occurred.”
“Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he sadly passed away in the early hours of today (Sunday), at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, (ATBUTH) Bauchi,” he added.
Bala Mohammed described the death of Kani Ben as painful and heartbreaking, noting that he died in active service, committed to his professional duty of keeping Nigerians informed.
The Governor commended his dedication, courage, and sense of responsibility, which he demonstrated until his last moments.
The Governor extend his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Kani Ben, the management and staff of Channels Television, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), his professional colleagues and the entire media community.
The Governor prayed that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss.
“The Government of Bauchi State stands in solidarity with the media community at this difficult time and reassures all of its continued respect and support for journalists who risk their lives daily in the course of their duties,” the Governor stated.