The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a cameraman with the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), Kabiru Ahmed Ilaleh, who died from injuries sustained in a recent road accident while on official duty in Bauchi state.

A delegation from the commission paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late cameraman to sympathise with his family over the tragic loss.

The accident involved at least 13 journalists from various media organisations who were covering the commissioning and handover of projects executed by the NEDC to the Bauchi State Government.

Speaking yesterday during the visit on behalf of the commission, the Managing Director/CEO of NEDC, Mohammed G. Alkali, described the late cameraman’s death as a painful loss, noting that he died while performing his professional duty.

Represented by Naomi Abwaku of the Corporate Services Department, Alkali said the commission recognised the dedication and sacrifices of media professionals who risk their lives in the course of their work.

“On behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the Commission, we extend our sincere condolences to family of late Kabiru Ilaleh, the Bauchi State Television Authority, the Bauchi State Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community,” she said.

She noted that the Commission had closely monitored the medical treatment of the journalists involved in the accident until they were discharged from hospital, describing the loss of two journalists as deeply painful.

Also speaking, the NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, said the commission had sent a delegation to sympathise with the family of the deceased.

He described the late Kabiru as a dedicated professional who served the state with commitment, adding that his sacrifice in the line of duty would not be forgotten.

He also disclosed that the commission provided financial assistance and food items to support the bereaved family during the difficult time.

He prayed for the late journalist, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdausy.