The University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, has expressed profound grief following a fatal road accident involving its students and a staff member, which claimed four lives and left several others injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Onen Ebri Onen, the university disclosed that the incident involved 24 students and one staff member, many of whom were members of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, executive.
The group was returning from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when the crash occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The university confirmed that three students and one staff member died in the accident.
The deceased were identified as 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, who also served as President of Presidents; Comrade Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr Anthony Arikpo, the driver and a staff member of the institution.
According to the statement, those who survived the crash are currently receiving medical attention at different hospitals, with the university assuring that appropriate care is being provided.
The Vice Chancellor, Francisca Bassey, accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Stella Maris-Okey, visited the injured students, offering support and monitoring their treatment.
The management added that the Vice Chancellor remained with the victims into the early hours to ensure that all necessary medical interventions were carried out.
Prof Bassey extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the university community.
She also reassured the injured students and their families of the institution’s continued support, emphasising that their recovery and welfare remain a top priority.
The university appealed for calm and urged parents and guardians to be assured that every effort is being made to provide the best possible care for those affected.
