Tension At Abuja Bus Terminal As FCT Officials Harass TVC Journalist

Tension erupted at the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja on Wednesday after officials at the facility allegedly confronted and harassed a TVC News journalist who was covering damage caused by a severe rainstorm.

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In a video circulating online, a group of men identified as terminal officials were seen attempting to seize the journalist’s camera during the coverage.

The TVC News crew resisted the attempt, leading to a brief confrontation at the scene.

Officials allegedly attempted to seize camera

According to the television station, other journalists present at the terminal were also intimidated and prevented from filming the damaged facility.

“Tension flared at the Kugbo Bus Terminal after officials at the facility attempted to seize a camera belonging to TVC News during coverage of damage at the terminal,” the station said.

“Officials confronted our correspondent and tried to confiscate their equipment, sparking a brief standoff. Other journalists present were also harassed and prevented from carrying out their work.”

The confrontation followed a heavy rainstorm on Tuesday that reportedly damaged sections of the newly constructed terminal.

The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, tore off parts of the terminal’s roofing and scattered debris across the Maraba–Nyanya axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident caused major traffic disruption along the busy corridor, forcing some commuters to trek long distances as vehicles struggled to move through the flooded and debris-filled road.

The Kugbo Bus Terminal is a multi-billion-naira transport project supervised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

It forms part of a larger ₦51 billion contract approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in May 2024 for the construction of three major bus terminals in the FCT.

The terminals are located in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District, and are being constructed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited.

Although the Kugbo terminal has yet to begin full commercial operations, the recent damage has raised concerns among residents and commuters.

Some commuters expressed worry about the apparent vulnerability of the newly constructed facility.

“It is worrying that a newly built terminal of this magnitude can be damaged so easily,” a commuter said.

“The authorities need to ensure safety and durability of public infrastructure.”

The incident has also sparked concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists covering public infrastructure projects.

Media observers argue that journalists should be allowed to document public facilities without intimidation.

TVC News stressed the importance of allowing journalists to perform their duties freely.

“Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work freely and without harassment,” the station stated, noting that independent media plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in public projects.