Kani Ben, Channels Television’s Bauchi bureau cameraman and journalist has been finally buried in his hometown of Kangali, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, following a solemn series of funeral rites attended by family, colleagues and dignitaries.

The 44-year-old died on February 15, 2026, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital after sustaining injuries in a road accident while on official duty.

A wake service held on Sunday at the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria in Yola drew hundreds of worshippers, members of the Channels Television team, and sympathisers who gathered to honour the fallen journalist.

The General Manager, Special Duties, Kingsley Uranta, led the delegation from Channels Television.

The following day, a brief departure ceremony took place at a specialist hospital in Yola before the body was conveyed to Kangali, where grieving relatives and community members paid their final respects.

At the funeral service, church leaders described Ben as a devoted Christian and consummate professional. The Bishop of the Abuja Diocese of the Lutheran Church testified to his active involvement in church life and exemplary character.

He said, “For us to have this calibre of people from North East Development Commission, from Government of Bauchi state, from Channels, from National Union of Journalists, and all his colleagues, it means that Kani Ben lived a good life.”

Colleagues remembered him as courageous and committed to his craft.

Kani Ben was born in 1982. He was covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission, a reflection of a career spent documenting the nation’s stories.

At 44, he had dedicated nine years to Channels Television, earning widespread respect for his professionalism and courage.

Tributes poured in from the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Bauchi State Government, where he was based.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described his passing as painful and heartbreaking, noting that he died in active service while keeping Nigerians informed.

Ben is survived by his wife and two children. He will be remembered for both the stories he captured and the humanity he brought to his work.