Governor Bassey Otu has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of students and a staff member of the University of Cross River State who lost their lives in a road accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway­.

In a statement shared on Sunday, the governor described the incident as devastating, noting that it had plunged the 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 lamented the loss of young lives, describing the victims as promising individuals whose futures had been 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 sympathized with the families of the victims and members of the university community affected by 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.

“Please know that you are not alone. Cross River stands with you,” he said.

He offered prayers for the deceased and wished injured victims a speedy 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,” he stated.

The governor added that his administration would continue to engage relevant authorities in response to 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.”

The incident involved a coaster bus conveying students, which reportedly collided with a container truck in Odukpani Local Government Area as they returned from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The university confirmed that 24 students, mostly members of the Students’ Union Government executive, were involved in the crash.

Among those who died were Solomon Uya, Lucky Erim, Favour Darlington, and Mr. Anthony Arikpo.

Survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while police investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash and locate the truck driver who reportedly fled the scene.