Governor Mourns Death Of BATV Cameraman Ilelah

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed , has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah, a dedicated cameraman with Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), who died following injuries sustained in a tragic road accident.

Kabiru died at the age of 56 in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

Late Kabiru Ahmed Ilela, was among the 13 Bauchi journalists involved in a road accident while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Bauchi.

The tragic accident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.

Following the incident, Kabiru underwent surgery and spent three weeks receiving intensive medical care.

In a condolences message issued by his media aide Mukhtar Gidado on Sunday, Governor 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.

Governor Bala Mohammed 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.

Kabiru was survived by his mother, two wives, seven children, and other relatives.

Kabiru, who holds the traditional title of Matawallen Uban Dawakin Bauchi, had been battling severe neck injuries since the crash.

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 and Kani 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.

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.