By Frank Ulom
Three students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), and a staff member, have died in an auto crash. The students were returning from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a friendly unity football match.
Converseer reports that the accident which occurred on Friday along Calabar-Itu Road in Odukpani LGA claimed the lives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Director of Sports, Comrade Solomon Nya, and the Faculty President of Physical Sciences, Comrade Lucky Eteng, who hails from Ijiman/Agoi Ekpo in Yakurr LGA.
The driver, who is a staff member of the University, and one other student also lost their lives. Their names could not be ascertained at the time of this report.
One of the survivors, Theresa Ofem, said: “Rest in peace my amiable Director of Sports. I was part of the accident too and I thank God for life.”
Several other students were injured and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Confirming the news on Saturday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Cross River, Corps Commander Innocent Etuk, said the crash occurred around 9:25pm on Friday at Ikot Okon, involving a recklessly driven container truck and a coaster bus carrying 22 UNICROSS students from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that the bus was in its lane when the truck rammed into it, killing the driver and three students. The victims’ deaths were confirmed by 10am Saturday.
“As of this morning, I confirm to you that four persons have been certified dead, including three students and the bus driver, 18 others were also involved because the bus was conveying 22 persons.
“We are looking for the truck driver, and the police have been alerted to apprehend him and his conductor, who are currently at large,” Etuk said.
The truck driver and his conductor fled the scene and remain at large, with the driver’s identity yet to be established.
Reacting to the news, the UNICROSS Alumni Association described the accident as heartbreaking.
In an official statement signed by the National President of the UNICROSS Alumni Association, Comrade Inyali Peter, PhD, on Saturday, the association said, “We mourn the painful loss of three promising students and a staff member whose lives were cut short in the unfortunate incident.
“On behalf of alumni across the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the management of the university, the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy. This painful incident has left the entire university community in grief and disbelief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 21 other students currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state. We pray for God’s healing hands upon them and wish them quick and full recovery.
“We also commend the medical personnel and all emergency responders including the VC and her deputies, the Dean of Students Affairs, the Chief Security Officer, the School’s Director of Works and all those who have continued to provide care and support to the victims during this difficult time.
“As a family united by the ideals and spirit of UNICROSS, we stand in solidarity with the Vice Chancellor and the entire university community in this moment of mourning. We pray that God grants the families of the deceased the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss, while granting eternal rest to the departed souls.
“May this tragedy never be repeated, and may the university community find healing, strength, and hope in the days ahead.”
