By The management of the North East Development Commission (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.
A delegation from the commission on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late cameraman in Bauchi, where they sympathised with his family over the tragic loss and presented N1 million and food items to support them during the difficult period.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, described Kabiru’s death as a painful loss, noting that the veteran cameraman died while carrying out his professional duty just as he was approaching retirement.
Alkali, who was represented by Naomi Abwaku of the Corporate Services Department, said the commission recognised the dedication and sacrifices of media professionals who often risk their lives in the line of duty.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the NEDC, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the 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,” she said.
Naomi added that the commission closely monitored the medical treatment of the journalists involved in the accident until they were discharged from hospital, describing the loss of two journalists in the incident as deeply painful.
Also speaking, the NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, said the commission deemed it necessary to visit and sympathise with the bereaved family and members of the media community.
He described the 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 also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for the family to have the strength to bear the loss.
The late BATV cameraman and Kani Ben of Channels Television were among 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 during 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.
Members of the NEDC delegation, which included Murtala Ali Umar of the Corporate Services Department and staff from the commission’s Bauchi State office, also visited journalists who are currently recuperating at home after being discharged from the hospital to check on their condition and wish them a speedy recovery.
