Kogi Police Express Concern After Journalist Road Crash as officers sympathise with injured journalists and promise improved safety support

The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has expressed concern and sympathy following a road crash involving members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondent Chapel, who were returning from an official assignment in Ekinrin-Adde, Kogi State, when their bus was hit by a truck, leaving several occupants injured.

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The incident occurred on Saturday and involved journalists who had travelled for field coverage before the collision with what authorities described as a reckless truck driver.

Although no fatalities were recorded, the injured reporters were rushed to a hospital in Lokoja, where they received treatment and were discharged the following day.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, ASP Oyiza Afusat, conveyed the condolences of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate and expressing solidarity with the affected journalists.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, is deeply saddened by the unfortunate road accident involving our journalist colleagues in the State,” the statement read.

The command also praised journalists for their role in public information dissemination, acknowledging the risks often associated with field reporting.

“We recognise and appreciate the sacrifices journalists make in the line of duty in keeping the public informed. The Command joins the NUJ and the good people of Kogi State in praying for the speedy and full recovery of all those affected,” the statement added.

The police further assured media professionals of continued commitment to their safety while carrying out constitutional duties, reinforcing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the press.

The NUJ Kogi State Council has also been involved in coordinating support for the affected journalists, who are said to be recovering after receiving medical attention.

Road safety concerns remain a recurring issue in Nigeria, particularly involving commercial transport vehicles on highways linking smaller communities to urban centres.

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Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved driver training to reduce avoidable crashes.