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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Cross River Governor mourns students, staff killed in highway crash

From The Punch · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Cross Rivers Governor Bassey Otu expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road accident involving students and staff from the University of Cross River State.
  • The accident, which occurred on the Calabar–Itu Highway, involved a collision between a coaster bus and a container truck.
  • The governor extended condolences to the bereaved families and the university community, pledging his administration's engagement with relevant authorities.

A pall of grief has descended upon Cross Rivers State following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of students and a staff member from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). Governor Bassey Otu, in a heartfelt statement, conveyed his profound sorrow and solidarity with the affected families and the entire university community.

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.

— Bassey OtuGovernor of Cross River State, expressing grief over the fatal accident.

The tragic incident, which occurred on the Calabar–Itu Highway, involved a collision between a coaster bus carrying students returning from an official assignment and a container truck. The accident, which happened on a Friday night, resulted in the loss of several promising young lives and a dedicated staff member, casting a dark shadow over the state.

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.

— Bassey OtuGovernor of Cross River State, reflecting on the loss of young lives and a dedicated staff member.

Governor Otu described the event as devastating, emphasizing the immense loss of potential and the deep sorrow that has gripped the state. He extended his deepest sympathies to the parents, friends, and colleagues of the victims, acknowledging the unimaginable pain they must be enduring. "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 stated, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.

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.

— Bassey OtuGovernor of Cross River State, extending sympathy to the families and the university community.

The governor also offered prayers for the eternal rest of the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers on our roads and the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety measures across the state and the nation. The pain of UNICROSS is the pain of every Cross Riverian, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the community during this period of mourning.

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.

— Bassey OtuGovernor of Cross River State, offering prayers for the deceased and the injured.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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