On April 8, 2026, journalists were prevented from entering the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja while attempting to report on damage to the structure caused by a windstorm and heavy rainfall that hit the area a day earlier. According to media reports, the restriction was enforced by police officers stationed at the entrance, who stated that access was being denied based on instructions from authorities overseeing the Federal Capital Territory.
The storm, which began in the afternoon on Tuesday, left visible destruction at the newly built terminal. Sections of the structure were damaged, parts of the roof were torn off, and debris was scattered across the facility. The impact extended beyond the terminal itself, as roofing materials and other debris spilled onto the Abuja–Keffi Road, obstructing traffic and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
At the scene, tensions increased when journalists attempted to document the damage using a drone. The situation reportedly escalated as security personnel believed to be vigilantes moved toward the journalists in an aggressive manner. Attempts to continue filming were met with resistance, and threats were made to destroy recording equipment, including cameras and the drone.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation included explanations that the journalists were carrying out legitimate reporting duties protected under the law. Despite this, the confrontation continued, with security personnel allegedly attempting to restrict access to equipment and interfering with filming activities. One attempt was made to seize a drone while it was still in operation.
As the confrontation intensified, additional security personnel arrived and joined in attempts to take control of journalists’ equipment, including cameras, drone controls, and personal belongings. However, journalists on the ground resisted the attempts and refused to leave the location.
The situation drew the attention of other media crews present in the area, who joined in protesting the mishandling of the journalists. The standoff continued until an individual identified as part of the Federal Capital Territory Minister’s media team arrived at the scene and intervened. Following the intervention, instructions were given for the journalists to be released, and the seized equipment was returned.
After the intervention, the security presence eased, and the situation was brought under control, allowing journalists to regroup at the scene.
