By: Umar Mohd
The funeral of Channels Television cameraman, Kani Ben, who lost his life in a tragic motor accident two weeks ago while covering the commissioning of North East Development Commission (NEDC) projects, took place on Saturday in his hometown of Kangling, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The 43-year-old journalist, whose full name is Pwakaniso Ben Sylvanus, was born on May 28, 1982, and passed away on February 15, 2026, after battling with injuries sustained in the accident at Yelwan Duguri in Bauchi.
The accident, which occurred along Duguri road, involved 13 journalists from various media houses, leaving Kani Ben dead.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, represented by the Commissioner of Information, Usman Shehu Usman expressed deep sympathy and extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire journalists over the incident.
Usman Shehu Usman accompanied by the Special Adviser Media, Comrade Muhktar Gidado explained that, the governor has given automatic employment to Late Kani’s wife into the state civil service as part of gesture to support the family.
The Governor’s approval of the appointment of Kani Ben’s wife into the civil service is seen as a gesture of goodwill and support to the bereaved family.
The Managing Director of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali represented by Naomi Abwaku, from the Corporate Services of the commission, expressed condolences to the family and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
The MD said Kani’s death in active service is a painful loss and a testament to his dedication to duty and to the important role of the media in society.
On behalf of the Governing Board, Management, and Staff of the Commission, he extended condolences to his family, Channels Television, the Bauchi state Government, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community.
In a heartfelt tribute, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado described the Late Channels TV cameraman Ben, as a dedicated professional, a humble colleague, and a kind soul.
He further described him as a man of simplicity, dignity, and professionalism, who earned the respect of everyone through his hard work and commitment to his craft.
In a vote of thanks, Rt. Rev. Cletus Dading, the Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Abuja Diocese, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Bauchi state for the gesture, praying that God Almighty bless him abundantly.
