Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved a N13 million support package for the family and burial of late Kani Ben, a cameraman with Channels Television, who died following a tragic road accident.
Mr Ben passed away at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, nine days after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in the crash.
The fatal accident occurred while he was on an official assignment as part of a media team covering the inspection and commissioning of projects executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The delegation was led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari. Several other journalists sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor Mohammed disclosed this on Monday during a condolence visit to the late journalist’s residence in Bauchi.
He disclosed that N3 million had been approved to support the burial rites scheduled for Saturday in Adamawa State, while N10 million was set aside for the immediate upkeep of Mr Ben’s family.
Describing the deceased as a “dedicated reporter committed to excellence,” the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Mr Ben died in active service to the nation.
In a stern move, Governor Mohammed also confirmed the driver’s dismissal from the bus conveying the journalists, citing reckless driving as the cause of the crash.
“Mistakes of this magnitude cannot be forgiven,” the governor declared, adding that the driver had been made to face the consequences of his actions.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the tragic death of Mr Ben has sent shockwaves through the media community, drawing renewed attention to the risks journalists face in the line of duty. As colleagues, friends, and family prepare to lay him to rest, tributes continue to pour in for a cameraman remembered for his professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to telling the story.
