Tragic Accident Claims Lives of University Students and Staff
Governor Bassey Otu has expressed profound sorrow following the fatal road accident involving students and staff of Cross River State University on the Calabar-Itu Expressway. The unfortunate incident has left the entire state in mourning.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the governor described the situation as devastating, illuminating the collective grief that has enveloped the community. “It is with a deeply broken heart that I receive the shocking news of a tragic traffic accident involving students and faculty of Cross River State University,” he remarked, underscoring the significant toll this tragedy has taken on the state.
Governor Otu lamented the loss of promising young lives, stating that the victims represented a future filled with potential that has now been irreparably altered. “In one heartbreaking moment, we lost one of our brightest young minds, full of promise, hope, and potential, along with a dedicated staff whose service reflected commitment and sacrifice,” he added.
The governor highlighted the broader implications of the tragedy, noting, “They were more than just students. They embodied the future of Cross River State, a vision now painfully cut short.” He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the university community affected by this devastating loss.
Reflecting on the personal impact of the tragedy, he stated, “As a father, I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of pain that families are experiencing right now. My heart goes out to the parents who now have to bear this unimaginable loss, to the friends and classmates left to grieve, and to the entire Unicross community who are burdened by this tragedy.” He reassured them, “Know that you are not alone. Cross River is with you.”
The governor offered heartfelt prayers for the souls of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. “I pray that Almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who have passed away and comfort all grieving hearts,” he said, expressing hope for the recovery of those currently in treatment.
Otu reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities in light of this tragedy. “As governor, I stand in solemn solidarity with all those affected, and my administration will continue to work with the relevant authorities to respond to this tragic incident,” he announced, recognizing the shared pain within the community. “These are difficult times for our people. Unicross’s pain is my pain and the pain of all Cross River residents.”
According to reports from Punch Metro, at least three students and one staff member were killed when a coaster bus carrying university students collided with a container truck in the Odukpani local government area. The accident occurred late on Friday night while the students were returning from official duties in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The university confirmed that 24 students, primarily members of the Students’ Union Government Executive, were involved in the mishap. Among the deceased are Solomon Uya, the Sports Director of the SUG, Lucky Elim, a chemistry student and department chair, and Mr. Farber Darlington of the School of Educational Management. Mr. Anthony Alikpo, the driver of the vehicle, also lost his life.
Survivors are currently receiving care in a local hospital, while authorities are actively investigating the cause of the accident and are in pursuit of the truck driver who fled the scene.
