A bus conveying women supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu collided with a security Toyota Hilux along Oron Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, November 6, 2026, leaving several passengers injured and raising conflicting reports about possible fatalities.
The accident involved an Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation (AKTC) bus carrying women mobilised from different parts of Uyo and its environs for the President’s official visit to the state.
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The women were reportedly travelling towards Victor Attah International Airport to join Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and other government officials in receiving Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The collision occurred in the early hours of Friday along Oron Road, one of the major routes affected by temporary traffic restrictions introduced ahead of the presidential visit.
According to local reports by Uyo Infomedia, the bus collided with a security Hilux reportedly involved in security positioning along the presidential movement corridor.
The impact left both vehicles badly damaged, with the bus reportedly veering off the road and landing in a roadside drainage channel.
The incident triggered confusion and a traffic gridlock as commuters, traders and other residents rushed to assist passengers trapped inside the damaged bus.
Footage and eyewitness accounts circulated on social media showed people attempting to rescue occupants and assist those injured.
Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force reportedly responded to the scene, helping to evacuate injured passengers and manage traffic.
Several victims, including the bus driver, were reportedly taken to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities in the state capital for treatment.
There have been conflicting accounts regarding the number of people who lost their lives.
However, the FRSC’s Akwa Ibom State Command had not officially established the casualty figure or the circumstances surrounding the collision at the time of reporting.
Paul James, Public Relations Officer of the FRSC in Akwa Ibom State, confirmed that the command had deployed a response team to the scene.
It was also reported that James said the command was yet to determine the number of casualties and the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, an earlier report by Uyo Infomedia, based on information from security personnel and medical sources, said no life had been lost as of Friday morning, although several occupants sustained injuries.
The differing accounts make it important to treat the reported death as unconfirmed pending an official casualty update from the FRSC or the police.
The accident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security arrangements across Uyo ahead of Tinubu’s visit.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, Baba Azare, had earlier announced restrictions on drones, fireworks and other devices capable of causing panic as part of preparations for the President’s arrival.
Azare also advised residents to avoid designated presidential routes, including Airport Road, Iron Road and Ring Road III, to ease movement and prevent security disruptions.
The visit combined political engagements with the commissioning of infrastructure projects executed by Governor Eno’s administration.
Among the projects scheduled for inauguration were the new International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport, the International Airport Hospital, the Ibom Aviation Village, Ring Road III Extension and the ARISE Palm Resort.
Tinubu’s visit also formed part of the APC’s political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the President expected to attend a party rally in the state.
The party had earlier announced plans for nationwide campaign activities, with Uyo included in its schedule of engagements.
Despite the disruption caused by the accident, the President and his wife arrived in Akwa Ibom through Calabar and were received by Governor Eno and other dignitaries.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety of road users during major political and official movements, particularly where traffic restrictions, security operations and large-scale mobilisation converge.
For the families of those involved, the immediate concern remains the condition of the injured passengers and confirmation of the reported fatality.
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The FRSC and the police are expected to provide further details as investigations into the circumstances of the collision continue.
