Gov. Bassey Otu has expressed grief over the death of students and a staff member of the University of Cross River State who were killed in a road accident along the Calabar-Itu Highway.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, Otu described the incident as devastating and said it had plunged the state into mourning.
“I received with a deeply broken heart the devastating news of the tragic road accident involving students and a staff member of the University of Cross River State. This painful incident has cast a heavy shadow over our dear state and brought immense sorrow to us all,” he said.
The governor lamented the loss of young lives, describing the victims as promising individuals whose futures were cut short.
“In one heartbreaking moment, we have lost some of our brightest young minds, full of promise, hope and potential, alongside a committed staff member whose service reflected dedication and sacrifice,” he said.
Otu also extended condolences to the families of the victims and members of the university community.
“As a father, I cannot begin to imagine the depth of pain the families are going through at this time. My heart goes out to the parents, friends and classmates, and to the entire UNICROSS community weighed down by this tragedy,” he said.
He prayed for the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, adding that his administration would continue to engage relevant authorities in response to the incident.
It’s reported that at least three students and a staff member died after a coaster bus conveying students collided with a container truck in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The accident occurred Friday night as the students were returning from an official assignment in Uyo.
The university confirmed that 24 students, mostly members of the Students’ Union Government executive, were involved in the crash.
Those killed were identified as Solomon Uya; Lucky Erin; Favour Darlington; and Anthony Arikpo.
Survivors are receiving treatment in hospitals. Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash and to locate the truck driver, who fled the scene.
