By The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has been thrown into mourning following a tragic road accident involving 24 students and one staff member. The victims, mostly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), were reportedly returning from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when the accident occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The university confirmed that the accident claimed the lives of three students and one staff member. The deceased include Comrade Solomon Uya, Director of Sports of the SUG; Comrade Lucky Erim of the Department of Chemistry and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association; Comrade Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, the driver and a staff member of the institution.
In a statement released by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Ebri Onen, the Vice Chancellor, Francisca Bassey, described the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.
“The university community has received with profound sadness the news of this tragic accident,” she said.
As also confirmed by Vanguard Nigeria, the Students’ Union President is reportedly unconscious and in critical condition at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Some female victims involved in the accident were also said to be critically injured, with reports of limb amputations. According to Vanguard, the remains of the Director of Sports and other deceased victims have been deposited at UCTH.
Survivors of the crash are currently receiving medical treatment at various hospitals. The Vice Chancellor, accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Stella Maris-Okey, visited the injured students and remained with them into the early hours of the day to ensure they received proper care and support.
“We are committed to the full recovery and well-being of our injured students,” Bassey added.
The university extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of its support during this difficult time.
“We mourn with the families and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, while wishing the injured a swift recovery,” the statement concluded.
