The management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced the death of three students and a staff member following a fatal road accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Onen Ebri Onen, the accident involved 24 students—mostly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive—and one staff member, who were returning from an official assignment in Uyo.
The crash occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area and claimed the lives of 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 university staff member who was driving the vehicle.
The university said survivors of the accident are currently receiving medical care at various hospitals.
Vice-Chancellor Francisca Bassey, accompanied by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Stella Maris-Okey, visited the injured on Friday night and stayed with them into the early hours of Saturday.
According to the statement, the visit was to show support and ensure that the victims receive adequate medical attention.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed shock over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, while assuring the injured students of the university’s support towards their recovery.
“The entire UNICROSS community mourns with the bereaved families and prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and the swift recovery of those receiving treatment,” the statement added.
