Governor Bassey Otu has expressed grief over the death of students and a staff member from the University of Cross River State in a fatal road accident on the Calabar-Itu Highway.
The crash claimed multiple lives, though the exact number of casualties was not immediately specified in official statements. The victims included undergraduates from UNICROSS and at least one member of the institution's staff.
Otu released a statement mourning the loss and extending condolences to the families of the deceased. He acknowledged the pain of losing young people in such a sudden and tragic manner, recognising the impact on the university community and the state.
The Calabar-Itu Highway has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. Road safety remains a persistent concern on major routes across Cross River State, with speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate road infrastructure frequently cited as contributing factors to crashes.
No details were provided about the immediate cause of the accident or whether investigations into the incident had been launched. Emergency responders' handling of the crash and the condition of other passengers involved were also not disclosed.
The tragedy adds to the growing toll of road accidents in Nigeria, where thousands die annually in traffic incidents. UNICROSS, established in 2012, has over 6,000 students across various faculties and departments.
The state government is expected to issue further statements on the accident and any steps to be taken regarding road safety improvements on the highway.
