As journalists, we often recount the dangers others face. But on a recent journey back from the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Owerri, Imo State, we became the story—a harrowing encounter with death that underscored the fragility of life.
By Abdulrazak Bello Kaura
The conference had been a moment of celebration, particularly for me, Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, re-elected unopposed as Secretary for NUJ Zone A (Northwest). However, the joy of victory turned into an ordeal during our return journey to Zamfara State.
The fateful journey
Our team of 15 embarked on the journey home in an 18-seater NUJ bus, making stops in Delta, Edo, and Kogi states. After resting for the night along Kaduna Road in Niger State, we continued towards Gusau, Zamfara State.
Tragedy struck at Akilbo village in Katari Ward, Kaduna State. As I drove the bus, a petrol tanker parked by the roadside suddenly veered horizontally into the road. The tanker, recklessly driven by a young man in his mid-20s, left no room for escape.
Faced with split-second decisions, I avoided colliding with the tanker or veering into another parked vehicle that would have endangered us and about ten bystanders. Instead, I steered the bus onto the shoulder of the road. Amid the chaos, a thick metal protruding from the tanker tore into our vehicle, damaging the bus and detaching the front tyre entirely. The impact sent us crashing into sacks of charcoal.
Narrow escape
Miraculously, all 15 of us survived, with only five sustaining minor injuries. The reckless tanker driver fled but was later apprehended, thanks to the swift actions of an off-duty police officer, Sergeant Danladi of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, supported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), soldiers, and local Good Samaritans.
The tanker, inscribed “MAI KIFI” and carrying petrol en route to Kano, was impounded at the Katari Police Division, along with our damaged NUJ bus.
Expressions of gratitude
This ordeal brought out the selflessness of many who ensured justice and our safety. We extend heartfelt gratitude to:
- The NUJ Leadership: National President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, immediate past President Chief Chris Isiguzo, Zone A Vice President Muhammad Tukur Umar, and NUJ Kaduna Council Chairperson Hajiya Asma’u Yawo Halilu.
- Kaduna State Authorities: Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Abdullahi and FRSC Sector Commander.
- Military Personnel and Local Residents: For their swift and professional response.
Above all, we thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives.
This incident underscores the precarious state of Nigerian roads and the urgent need for stricter regulations and accountability for reckless drivers.
Journalists involved
The journalists on board included:
- Abdulrazak Bello Kaura – Secretary, NUJ Zone A
- Ibrahim Musa Maizare – Chairman, NUJ Zamfara Council
- Ibrahim Ahmed Gada – Secretary, NUJ Zamfara Council
- Sanusi Danbuga Gummi – Chairman, NUJ Zamfara Radio Chapel
- Ishaq Zaki Tambuwal – Chairman, Correspondents Chapel
- Surajo Muhammad – Internal Auditor, NUJ Zamfara Council
- Jamilu Sani Tsafe – Treasurer, NUJ Zamfara Council
- Sulaiman Isah – Chairman, Ministry of Information Chapel
- Jamila Musa Kanoma – Chairperson, NAWOJ, Zamfara
- Bilyaminu Muhammad – Chairman, Legacy Newspaper Chapel
- Sani Ibrahim Maitaya – Secretary, Radio Nigeria Pride FM Chapel
- Abdulmalik Khamis – Chairman, Gamji TV/Radio Chapel
- Fauziyya Ibrahim Dosara – Secretary, Standard Voice TV Chapel
- Attahiru Ahmed – Correspondent, Nigerian Tribune
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers journalists and all road users face daily. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support and prayers we received. It is only by Allah’s grace that we live to share this story.
Kaura is a Development Journalist and Secretary of NUJ Zone A. He can be reached at
abdulkaura21@gmail.com
