LunagisthubCross River in Mourning: Gov Otu Reacts as UNICROSS Crash Claims Students, Staff on Calabar-Itu Highway
Tragedy struck Cross River State as Governor Bassey Otu mourned students and a staff member of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) killed in a fatal road accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
In an emotional Facebook statement on Sunday, May 4, 2026, Otu called the incident “devastating” and said the entire state is now in 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,” the governor wrote.
He described the victims as promising Nigerians whose futures were 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. These were not just students; they were the future of Cross River State, dreams alive with purpose and possibility, now painfully cut short.”
PUNCH Metro reports that the crash happened Friday night in Odukpani Local Government Area. A coaster bus carrying UNICROSS students collided with a container truck as they returned from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. SUG executives — were in the bus. Survivors are receiving treatment in hospitals. Police say the truck driver fled the scene and investigations are ongoing.
Governor Otu said he grieves as a father and stands with the families.
“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 prayed for the deceased and wished the injured a full recovery: “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.”
The governor added that his administration is engaging relevant authorities on the incident. “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.”
At least four lives were lost three students and one staff when a UNICROSS bus crashed with a truck on the Calabar-Itu Highway. Gov Otu has declared solidarity with victims’ families and promised government response as police hunt the fleeing truck driver.
Lunagisthub
