Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of University of Cross River State students and a staff member who died in a road crash along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, he described the incident as heartbreaking, saying it has thrown the entire state into mourning.
“I received with a deeply broken heart the devastating news of the tragic road accident involving students and a staff member of the University of Cross River State. This painful incident has cast a heavy shadow over our dear state and brought immense sorrow to us all,” he said.
He mourned the loss of the victims, describing them as young people full of promise whose futures were abruptly cut short.
“In one heartbreaking moment, we have lost some of our brightest young minds, full of promise, hope, and potential alongside a committed staff member whose service reflected dedication and sacrifice,” he added.
“These were not just students, they were the future of Cross River State, dreams alive with purpose and possibility, now painfully cut short,” he added.
The governor also extended condolences to the bereaved families and the university community.
“As a father, I cannot begin to imagine the depth of pain the families are going through at this time. My heart goes out to the parents who must now bear this unimaginable loss, to friends and classmates left in grief, and to the entire UNICROSS community weighed down by this tragedy.
“Please know that you are not alone, Cross River stands with you,” he said.
He prayed for the souls of the deceased and recovery of the injured victims.
“I pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the departed and comforts every grieving heart. In this moment of sorrow, I also extend my thoughts and prayers to those currently receiving treatment, trusting God for their speedy and full recovery,” he stated.
Otu added that his administration would continue working with relevant authorities following the incident.
“As your Governor, I stand in solemn solidarity with all affected, and my administration will continue to engage with relevant authorities as we respond to this tragic incident,” he said.
“This is a painful time for us as a people. The pain of UNICROSS is my pain, and it is the pain of every Cross Riverian.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least three students and a staff member died when a coaster bus carrying students collided with a container truck while returning from an official trip in Akwa Ibom State.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while injured survivors are receiving medical care.
