By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Three weeks after the fatal automobile crash while covering the activities of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), another Cameraman with the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, has died from the injuries.
Kabiru died in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.
He was 56 years old and survived by his mother, two wives, seven children, and other relatives.
Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah , who holds the traditional title of Matawallen Uban Dawakin Bauchi, had been battling severe neck injuries since the crash.
It will be recalled that a Channels Television cameraman, Kani Ben, also died from injuries sustained in the same accident.
He passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Modular Theatre Complex at ATBUTH, Bauchi. He was 43 and is survived by his wife and two children.
Kabiru Ahmed and Kani Ben were the two most critically injured victims of the crash. They were initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), before Kabiru was later transferred to the Surgical Complex after undergoing surgery.
The tragic accident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.
13 Journalists from various media organisations were involved in the crash while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The Journalists were part of an NEDC delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development for the commissioning and handover of completed projects to the Bauchi State Government.
The delegation had earlier commissioned a Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri before the accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened when the driver conveying the journalists attempted to overtake a convoy. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and tumbled several times.
Several Journalists sustained varying degrees of injuries, including head wounds, bruises, and fractures.
Kabiru Ahmed was among the last two journalists receiving treatment at ATBUTH, while others have since recovered and been discharged.
Our correspondent reports that Kabiru officially retired from the Bauchi State Government as a BATV staff member on February 18, 2026, while undergoing treatment in a hospital bed.
The Deputy Chief Imam of Bauchi, Malam Ahmad Inuwa Na’ibi led his funeral prayer at the Bauchi Central Mosque at 2:15 p.m. He was buried according to Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Kabiru Ahmed Ilela, a dedicated cameraman with Bauchi State Television (BATV), who died following injuries in a fatal road crash.
Late Kabiru Ahmed Ilela was among the Bauchi journalists involved in a road accident while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi.
Following the incident, he underwent surgery and spent three weeks receiving intensive medical care at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), before sadly passing away today.
Bala Mohammed described late Kabiru as a committed and hardworking media professional who served the state with diligence and courage.
He noted that Kabiru’s dedication to duty, even in challenging circumstances, reflects the vital role journalists play in documenting government activities and informing the public.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of BATV, the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community in Bauchi State.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the late Kabiru Ahmed Ilela eternal rest and to give his family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the welfare and safety of Journalists who work tirelessly in the service of the state and the nation, as contained in a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser Media and publicity to the Governor.
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