Bauchi convoy crash claims another reporter BATV’s Kabiru Ilaleh
A second cameraman involved in the recent road accident in Bauchi State has died, days after the burial of Channels Television’s Kani Ben. Mr. Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, 56, a cameraman
A second cameraman involved in the recent road accident in Bauchi State has died, days after the burial of Channels Television’s Kani Ben.
Mr. Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, 56, a cameraman with Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), died in the early hours of yesterday, at the New Surgical Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he had been receiving treatment for three weeks due to the injuries sustained in the crash.
His death follows that of Kani Ben, who died on February 15, this year, from injuries suffered in the same accident. Ben was buried last Saturday in Kangling, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The Nation reports the accident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Friday, February 6 while journalists were covering the imauguration of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Thirteen journalists from different media organisations were involved in the incident.
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The team was led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and accompanied by state Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau. The convoy was heading to inaugurate the Bara Bridge linking Bauchi and Gombe states when the crash occurred.
Kabiru and Ben were the most critically injured among the victims. They were initially admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while Kabiru later underwent surgery and was transferred to the Surgical Complex, where he remained until his death.
Other journalists who sustained injuries, including head wounds, bruises and fractures, have since been treated and discharged.
The affected reporters and correspondents represent a range of media outlets, including Channels Television, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), African Independent Television (AIT), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Arise News, including our Reporter and other members of the Correspondents’ chapel.
They were part of a media team covering the inspection and commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Kabiru is survived by his mother, two wives, seven children and other relatives. He also held the traditional title of Matawallen Uban Dawakin Bauchi.
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He retired from the Bauchi State Government as a BATV staff member on February 18, 2026, while still receiving treatment in hospital.
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His funeral prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bauchi, Malam Ahmad Inuwa Na’ibi, at the Bauchi Central Mosque at 2:15 p.m., yesterday after which he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed expressed sorrow over the death of Kabiru Ahmed Ilela.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the late Kabiru as a dedicated and hardworking media professional who served the state with commitment.
The governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff members of BATV, the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the media community in the state.
He also prayed for the repose of the deceased and for strength for his family, colleagues and loved ones to bear the loss.
Mohammed also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the welfare and safety of journalists working in the state.
