By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Ten days after intensive care at the ICU of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Kani Benjamin, cameraman of Channels Television in Bauchi State, Kani Benjamin, who was one of the 13 journalists that were involved in an automobile accident while on the convoy of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi, is dead.
The death of Benjamin was announced on Sunday, 15 February, 2026, in a statement by Isah Gadau, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council.
The statement stated; “Bauchi State Council of the NUJ has received with rude 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 NUJ while expressing sympathy with the immediate family of the deceased, his professional colleagues and associates, announced the suspension of its Congress meeting scheduled for Monday, February 16, until further notice.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, as expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Kani Ben, whom he described as a dedicated cameraman. Governor Mohammed in a statement by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Bauchi Governor, noted that Kani Ben was among journalists that covered the commissioning of projects executed by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi alongside the Minister of State for Regional Development when the unfortunate accident occurred.
According to Mohammed; “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”.
Mohammed also described the death of Kani Ben as painful and heartbreaking, saying that he died in active service and was committed to his professional duty of keeping Nigerians informed.
The Governor also commended his dedication, courage, and sense of responsibility, which he demonstrated until his last moments.
While extending 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, Governor Mohammed 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,” Mohammed assured.
