By Odey Ojeka
Comrade Theresa Ofem, a student of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), has thanked God Almighty for sparing her life in a ghastly motor accident that claimed the lives of four persons, including two student leaders and the driver.
The accident occurred around Ikot Okon Abasi, on Friday, close to Oduyama, as the UNICROSS students were returning from Uyo after a friendly unity football match.
Reacting in the comment section of a Facebook post by the CEO of SagaciousNewsBlog, Miss Theresa Offem wrote: “Rest in peace my amiable director of sports. I was part of the accident too and I thank God for life.”
In another comment on the same post, she added: “I was part of the accident. My thanks go to Almighty God for my life. Three students plus the driver are confirmed dead.”
Those confirmed dead include UNICROSS 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 and one other student also lost their lives, according to Theresa Ofem.
Other students including Theresa Offem who sustained serious injuries are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Comrade Theresa Offem, a native of Lekpakom in Ijiman Ugep, Yakurr LGA, is a popular female footballer and a diehard Manchester United fan. She was part of the team that travelled for the friendly match.
The UNICROSS community and the people of Yakurr LGA have been thrown into mourning following the tragic incident. Condolence messages continue to pour in for the families of the deceased.
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.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace and speedy recovery to the ones receiving treatment.
