Bauchi journalist’s death reopens talks on insurance gaps, silent dangers facing media workers in Nigeria

For several days in early February 2026, Kani Ben, a cameraman with Channels Television, traveled across six states under the North East Development Commission (NEDC): Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe, covering government projects and community events.

Every assignment required long journeys, often on poor roads, yet he maintained his professionalism, capturing governance and local stories with dedication.

After returning home on 5 February, Kani set out on another official assignment the following day. Along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road, and allegedly around a pothole-riddled stretch, twisting through hills and farmland, his vehicle lost control.

Kani and several colleagues sustained critical injuries and were rushed to ATBUTH, Bauchi. Kani succumbed to his injuries nine days later, on Sunday, 15 February, 2026.

“He had just returned from a long journey and could not rest before this next assignment. It made me realize how risky journalism is in this country, and it’s so painful watching him and the way he left us,” Mrs. Sarah Kani Ben, told Ekwutosblog.

She disclosed that Channels Television contacted her to request for certain documents which she promptly sent to the organization

The wife of the deceased also stated that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed had taken responsibility for Kani’s burial to be done on Saturday in Girei LG of Adamawa State, sponsoring their two children’s education and offering her employment assistance.

Mrs. Ben reflected on the physical and health risks journalists face, especially when juggling long, consecutive assignments across multiple states.

Legal Responsibility: Organisations Must Act

Barr Sunday Joshua Wugira, a legal expert based in Adamawa State, while reacting to the incident, however, stressed the obligations of media organisations.

He said, “Every organization that employs journalists in high-risk jobs must take full responsibility for their welfare.

“Comprehensive insurance covering accidents, untimely death, and permanent injuries is essential. Media houses cannot shy away from this duty.

“This will give the employees confidence and nobody will run around when something happens.

“Nobody will start running around looking or thinking somebody should assist by taking responsibility to bring him succour. It is going to be automatic.”

He added, “The government may assist on compassionate grounds, but that does not replace the obligation of the media house. Journalists should never travel in unsafe vehicles or with unqualified drivers and I think they should come together and look into it.”

NUJ Steps In

Speaking to Ekwutosblog, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya recalled a December 2025 accident in which he and his colleagues were involved during union duties.

According to him, “From now forward, we will ensure drivers are professionals. Non-professional drivers even among us will no longer be allowed. This will be formalised at our next NEC Meeting.”

On insurance, Yahaya disclosed that the union is working to introduce a Group Life and Health Insurance Scheme for practising journalists nationwide, a premium-based welfare package designed to provide access to quality healthcare and death benefits for members and their families.

“We are focusing on health and life insurance for all practising journalists. Members will access quality healthcare from primary to secondary levels. Families of the deceased will benefit after death. We will also work with media organisations to ensure compliance, ” he stated.

On safety training, he said: “At our media summits, we will continue to focus on technological safety, human safety, gender safety, and online safety. We will also organize workshops to further equip journalists to handle risks in the field.

“Whatever you are doing, your safety comes first. We love you more than the report. Safety first. Always.”

Voices from the Field

Regina Bwala (Abuja): “I have never received formal insurance documentation except what I arranged personally.

“I have faced unsafe situations, sometimes attacks or humiliation as a female journalist, but God kept me safe. Media organisations could improve safety through partnerships with insurance companies and the government. Workshops on sensitisation would help.”

Daniel Atori (Niger State):

“I have no formal insurance from my organization, except the personal health insurance I applied for. I have been on assignments I felt were unsafe. Media organisations need to partner with insurance providers and government schemes to ensure we are protected.”

John Adams (Niger State),

“I have no details of insurance from my organisation. I’ve gone on unsafe assignments because it was part of the job. Media houses can improve safety by providing insurance, medical support, and clear accident protocols.”

Journalists from other parts of the country, including Kwara, Nasarawa, and Benue states, when contacted, also noted the need for structured workshops and regular sensitisation programmes by the Union focused on safety protocols for members.

They lamented that while government officials travel in well-maintained vehicles, journalists often ride in less reliable cars, even on official convoys, exposing them to avoidable risks.

Systemic Risks and Advocacy

According to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Media Rights Agenda, less than 1% of Nigerian journalists have comprehensive insurance, leaving most vulnerable to accidents, illness, or death while on duty.

Nigeria ranks among the most dangerous countries for journalists in West Africa, with routine assaults, intimidation, and arrests.

On 29 December 2025, a bus carrying journalists back from a colleague’s wedding crashed along the Billiri–Kumo Road, Kaltingo LG in Gombe State, killing seven journalists and injuring four others, further underscoring the occupational hazards media professionals face even outside high-risk security assignments.

International and local organisations, including Reporters Without Borders and UNESCO, have repeatedly raised alarms about the risks journalists face in Nigeria.

They advocate for enforceable safety protocols, access to insurance, and structured welfare frameworks, emphasizing that deaths and injuries are preventable when proper measures are in place.

Shu’aibu Usman Liman calls for cultural change

Shu’aibu Usman Liman, former NUJ National Secretary, reflected on the culture of risk.

“We often glorify being on the field in dangerous conditions as proof of dedication. But dedication should not mean putting your life on the line needlessly.

“Journalists must feel empowered to refuse unsafe assignments without fear of reprisal or stigma,” he said.

On organisational responsibility, he stated, “Media houses cannot outsource safety. Ensuring safe transport, qualified drivers, and proper insurance is not optional.

“Professionalism includes ensuring safe conditions. If organisations fail in this regard, they are failing their staff and betraying the profession.

“Every life lost is a story unfinished, a lens silenced, a voice gone.”

He concluded: “If we do not act collectively and decisively, the ink will bleed again. Every life lost is a story unfinished, a lens silenced, a voice gone.”

Kani Ben’s death is a call to action. Safety, insurance, risk assessment, and professional protocols are non-negotiable.

Journalists must be empowered to refuse unsafe assignments, and media houses must ensure insurance coverage and medical support.

The camera is silent. The frame is empty. Responsibility rests with all stakeholders. For every journalist documenting Nigeria’s history, the message is clear: their safety cannot be optional.