BREAKING: Many Feared Dead as Motorcyclist Rams Into NUJ Convoy
At least two persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal road crash involving a motorcyclist and a convoy of vehicles conveying journalists to the 2026 New Year Thanksgiving Ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The incident occurred on Sunday along Idoro Road, near the Pepsi Junction, a major intersection linking Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Abak.
The journalists were en route to the Thanksgiving Service scheduled to hold at Qua Iboe Church (QIC), Abak Intense community, in Abak Local Government Area of the state, when the accident happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcycle operator, who was carrying a passenger, rammed into the NUJ convoy while attempting to navigate out of the road.
“The bike operator was carrying a passenger, and along Idoro Road by Pepsi Junction, they crashed headlong into the convoy as the cyclist tried to find his way out,” one of the journalists, Uduak Ephraim, recounted. “He suddenly lost control and veered into the convoy, and the resultant crash led to the death of the motorcyclist and his passenger.”
The tragic incident reportedly sparked tension in the area, with some local youths expressing anger over the deaths. Journalists were subsequently warned to exercise caution while travelling through the route to Abak.
In a message circulated among journalists, a concerned colleague advised members to avoid Idoro Road by Pepsi Junction through Ukpom Abak Road for safety reasons.
“For the safety of our members who are coming to Abak for the NUJ Thanksgiving Service, kindly avoid using Idoro Road by Pepsi Junction. There has been a fatal accident that claimed the lives of two people on a motorbike who ran into our convoy,” the message read. “Please share this information to protect our members, in case of any revenge by community youths.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Timfon John, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.
