Four seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Diocese lost their lives, and nine others sustained injuries in a road accident near the base of the iconic Obudu Ranch Resort hill in Cross River State on Saturday, May 3.

The seminarians, part of a group of 13, had concluded a guided tour of the resort led by a Reverend Father when the vehicle transporting them suffered brake failure while descending the hill. The crash occurred just outside the resort’s perimeter.

The Guardian learnt that members of the Nigerian Army stationed at the Ranch led swift emergency response efforts, working with other first responders to evacuate the injured and recover the deceased. The injured are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased, as efforts are ongoing to contact their families. The seminarians had been visiting one of Nigeria’s most prominent tourist destinations before the tragedy.

In an official statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Nsa Gill, expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as a devastating moment for the state and the affected families.

“This is a dark day for all of us. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. The government is already reaching out to offer support during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Gill also highlighted the government’s commitment to safety across the state’s tourism sites, announcing an immediate review of transport and safety protocols at the Ranch. He urged visitors to ensure their vehicles are in proper condition and to adhere to all safety guidelines when visiting the state’s attractions.

As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, the state government has pledged transparency and assured the public of support for the victims’ families. Officials have also requested that the public respect the privacy of those grieving.