By: Umar Mohd
The Management of the North East Development Commissione (NEDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a cameraman with the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, who died from injuries sustained in a road accident while on official duty in Bauchi state last month.
NEDC delegation yesterday paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late cameraman in Bauchi and sympathised with his family over the tragic loss after presenting N1m and foodstuffs to the family to relieve their hardship.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, the Managing Director/CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, described the death of Kabiru as a painful loss, noting that he died while performing his professional duty at the eve of his retirement from the service.
The MD represented by Naomi Abwaku of the Corporate Services Department, explained that the commission recognised the dedication and sacrifices of media professionals who risk their lives in the course of performing their primary responsibilities.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the NEDC, we extend our sincere condolences to family of late Kabiru Ilaleh, the Bauchi State Television Authority, the Bauchi State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community over this painful loss.”
Naomi stated that the Commission monitored closely the medical treatment of the journalists involved in the accident until they were discharged from hospital, describing the loss of two journalists as deeply painful.
Also speaking, the NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, said the commission had sent a delegation to sympathise with the family of the deceased and media related people.
He described late Kabiru as a dedicated professional who served the state with commitment, adding that his sacrifice in the line of duty would not be forgotten.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and the family, the courage to bear the loss.
Late BATV Cameraman and Kani Ben of Channels Television were among the 13 journalists involved in a motor accident while covering the commissioning and handover of projects executed by the NEDC to the Bauchi State Government.
Responding on behalf of the family, the elder brother of the deceased, Salisu Abubakar Sadiq, expressed appreciation to the NEDC Managing Director and his team for the support and compassion shown to the family.
He thanked the commission for its concern and financial assistance throughout Kabiru’s treatment and after his death, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine care.
Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh died at the age of 56 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. He is survived by his mother, two wives, seven children and other relatives.
The NEDC delegation, which included Murtala Ali Umar of the Corporate Services Department and staff from the Bauchi State Office of the Commission, also visited journalists who are currently recuperating at home after being discharged from the hospital, to check on their condition and wish them speedy recovery.(Echo Express)
