A 54-year-old Customs officer, Prince Etteng Ise, has died in a lone road crash along the Ikom-Calabar Highway in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Ise, who was serving at the Mfum Border in Etung Local Government Area, reportedly lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid a pothole near Alesi Village.

The vehicle veered off the highway into the bush and crashed into a tree at about 2:56 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026.

The victim was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, for medical attention but was confirmed dead by a doctor on arrival.

His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

According to the Command, preliminary information indicated that the crash involved only the deceased’s vehicle.

The police said the accident occurred after Ise reportedly lost control of the vehicle while trying to manoeuvre around a pothole on the highway.

The Command expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues and the Nigeria Customs Service over the incident.

It also urged motorists to exercise caution while using the state’s roads, particularly areas with potholes and other hazards.

The police advised motorists to avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant at all times to reduce the risk of road crashes.

The incident has again raised concerns over the danger posed by potholes and other road defects to motorists using the Ikom-Calabar Highway.

The highway is an important route linking several communities and local government areas in the state, with motorists frequently using it for inter-town and commercial transportation.

The Command urged road users to remain alert and take necessary precautions while driving, especially when approaching damaged portions of the highway.