Amanze Chinonye
Journalists covering the aftermath of the storm-damaged Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja have alleged harassment and obstruction by security personnel, raising concerns over press freedom and transparency at a major public infrastructure site, Prime Business Africa reports.
Crews from News Central TV reported that their personnel were harassed by local security operatives while documenting the impact of the April 7 windstorm that damaged sections of the terminal.
Separate accounts indicate that a team from TVC News also faced confrontation at the scene, with security officials allegedly attempting to seize camera equipment during coverage of the incident.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJournalists on ground said access to the terminal was restricted, with some security personnel reportedly demanding special clearance before granting entry. A Premium Times reporter, Ademola Popoola, said he was denied access by police officers who allegedly insisted on authorisation linked to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Efforts by media crews to continue coverage from outside the premises reportedly led to further confrontation, particularly when a drone was deployed for aerial footage. Witnesses said security operatives threatened to damage the equipment and physically restrained some journalists, escalating tensions at the scene.
READ ALSO:
Minister Wike Faces Backlash Over Threat to Shoot TV Presenter
Additional reports indicate that security personnel, including local vigilantes, attempted to confiscate cameras and disrupt filming activities, resulting in a brief standoff before the situation was eventually de-escalated.
In response, a spokesperson to Wike denied that the minister ordered any restriction on journalists, suggesting that any limitations may have been imposed by contractors on safety grounds following the incident.
The confrontation comes against the backdrop of a rainstorm that caused significant damage to the newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal, intensifying scrutiny over both the project and the management of information around it.
A heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong winds on Tuesday caused extensive damage to the facility, located in the Nyanya axis of the Federal Capital Territory. Sections of the terminal’s roof were torn off during the downpour, with debris scattered onto the busy Nyanya–Keffi Expressway, triggering major traffic disruption and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were deployed to manage vehicular movement and clear obstructions. While authorities said no casualties or vehicle damage were officially recorded, eyewitnesses reported injuries and damage to nearby vehicles and small businesses caused by dislodged roofing materials.
READ ALSO :
Tinubu ‘Shocks’ Wike – ‘I Owe You nothing, Let’s Talk Nigeria’
The Kugbo Bus Terminal is one of three major transport terminals developed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration as part of efforts to modernise public transportation in Abuja. The projects are estimated to cost about ₦51 billion collectively and were commissioned in 2025, although the Kugbo facility is yet to commence operations.
Following the storm, Wike ordered the deployment of security personnel to secure the area and directed immediate repairs of the damaged structure.
Despite the government’s response, the incident has sparked public criticism and professional scrutiny, with questions raised about the structural integrity of the project.
Some engineering experts have expressed doubts that a newly completed commercial structure should sustain such damage from a rainstorm, noting that standard roofing systems are typically designed to withstand significant wind pressure.
Residents have also pointed to the contrast between the damaged terminal and nearby structures that remained largely intact, while earlier reports of roof leakage at the facility prior to the storm have further deepened concerns about workmanship and oversight.
As investigations and repair efforts continue, both the damage to the terminal and the reported harassment of journalists have intensified debate over accountability, construction standards and press freedom in Nigeria’s public infrastructure sector, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
