By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, has expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of members of the Correspondents’ Chapel involved in a road accident in Kogi State.
In a message issued on Sunday, Momohjimoh described the survival of all the journalists as a remarkable act of divine mercy, noting that the accident could easily have resulted in fatalities.
The zonal NUJ leader said although the union was deeply saddened by the incident, members remained thankful that no life was lost despite the severity of the crash.
According to him, the development serves as a testament to God’s protection over journalists who often undertake risky journeys in the course of their professional duties.
Momohjimoh congratulated the affected journalists for surviving the ordeal and prayed for the quick recovery of those who sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He also commended emergency responders and good-spirited individuals who rendered immediate assistance to the victims, describing their timely intervention as crucial in mitigating the impact of the accident.
The NUJ vice president urged journalists and other road users to remain vigilant while travelling, stressing the importance of safety consciousness, especially during official assignments that require long-distance movement.
He further prayed for God’s continued protection over media practitioners across the North Central zone and the country, noting that journalists play a vital role in informing, educating and holding society accountable.
The accident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Saturday as members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were returning from Ekirin-Ade in Ijumu Local Government Area, where they had covered activities marking the annual Ekirin-Ade Day celebration.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Segun Salami, said the bus conveying the journalists was struck from behind near Kabba Junction by an articulated truck.
According to him, the truck driver had earlier attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre and nearly forced the journalists’ vehicle off the road while trying to pass another truck.
Salami said the correspondents became cautious after the initial encounter and maintained a safe distance behind the truck, only to be jolted moments later by a loud impact from the rear.
The collision forced the bus off the road and into nearby bushes.
He disclosed that the vehicle sustained extensive damage, particularly at the rear, while several journalists seated in the middle and back rows suffered injuries from the impact.
Two of the occupants reportedly lost consciousness and were later revived.
Despite the severity of the accident, all passengers survived.
Salami expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of those on board, adding that injured journalists are receiving medical attention.
He also confirmed that the truck driver had been arrested, while the damaged vehicle had been towed to the ‘B’ Division Police Station in Felele, Lokoja, as investigations continue.