The University of Cross River State is in mourning this Friday after a fatal road accident killed three UNICROSS students and a staff member late Friday night.
The UNICROSS students road accident occurred at Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River State, as a bus carrying members of the Students’ Union Government was returning from a friendly football match against the University of Uyo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Reports indicate that a truck driver rammed into their vehicle, leading to the deadly crash.
Twenty-four people were on board at the time of the collision.
The Friendly Match That Ended in Tragedy
The trip was meant to be a moment of sportsmanship and inter-university bonding. The students and SUG officials had traveled to Uyo to participate in a friendly football fixture against their counterparts at the University of Uyo. Sadly, tragedy struck before they could make it home.
The Deceased
Those confirmed dead are Solomon Nya, SUG Director of Sports from Akamkpa; Lucky Ekem Oyira, President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and the President of all Faculty Presidents from Yakurr LGA; Offi Darlington Buffa of the Department of Educational Management from Boki LGA; and Anthony Arikpo, a university staff member who was driving the bus at the time of the crash.
The remaining survivors are currently receiving medical care at hospitals across the state.
University’s Response
Vice Chancellor Professor Francisca Bassey, accompanied by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Stella Maris-Okey, visited the hospitalized Students Friday night.
Professor Bassey expressed deep shock over the tragedy, condoled with the families of the deceased, and pledged the university’s full support toward the recovery of every injured student.
Truck Driver Responsible, Investigation Expected
According to reports, a truck driver crashed into the bus carrying the UNICROSS students, triggering the fatal collision. It remains unclear whether any arrest has been made or whether a formal investigation has been launched by authorities. FAWONA Blog will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they come.
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