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Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso, OFR,  Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Government, and the management Channels Television, over the tragic demise of Comrade Kani Ben, one of the 13 journalists involved in the recent ghastly road accident while on official assignment at the North East Development Commission's project.

Comrade Kani Ben, a Photo journalist and Correspondent with Channels Television, died at intensive care unit of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred while the journalists were traveling for an official engagement, has once again underscored, risks, journalists and other media professionals undertake daily in the course of serving the nation.

Senator Osita Izunaso described Comrade Ken's demise as very painful and a great loss to his family, journalism profession and the country at large, noting that journalists remain vital partners in  democratic development and nation-building, as they often work under challenging and hazardous conditions to keep citizens informed.

Senator Izunaso also an accomplished journalists, particularly commiserated with the bereaved family, praying that the Almighty God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreversible loss. He also sympathises with colleagues of the deceased journalist, wishing a speedy recovery to others that sustained injuries in the accident.

The Distinguished Senator acknowledged as a welcome development, efforts by the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya to put in place compulsory Health Insurance Scheme for practicing journalists in the country, emphasizing the critical need on improved safety measures for media professionals during official assignments, urging relevant authorities to ensure adequate support and protection for journalists across the country.

Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso said, he is willing to support the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, in contributing his own "widow's" quota for the provision of adequate Health Insurance Scheme for journalists when the protocols and arrangements are completed with the relevant agencies and service providers.

The Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso prayed for the repose of the soul departed, to find eternal rest. END

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