Following the unfortunate incident at the popular Carnival Calabar during the Bikers Parade where an errant motorist ploughed into a crowd, killing no fewer than 14 people and leaving 24 others injured, the Carnival Calabar Commission has issued a strong warning to motorists.

The Commission urged motorists to respect the laws as defiants of the barricades along the carnival routes would no more be tolerated.

In a statement by the Chairman, CRS Carnival Commission, Sir Gabe Onah and Special Adviser Governor’s Office/Events, Hon. Ken Aklah, it sympathised with the families and victims of the unfortunate incident during the Bikers Parade.

The Commission said: “Henceforth, any vehicle that breaks the cordons and barricades on the streets during the carnival season will be severely dealt with according to the laws of the land. All revellers and participants of the annual festival should endeavour to be law abiding in the spirit of the season.”

The Commission, however, assured all residents that things are under control and order will be enforced in the city whilst assuring all visitors of their wellbeing and security in Calabar.

Meanwhile, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has expressed sadness over the ugly incident in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Barrister Christian Ita.

According to the statement, the Governor is devastated by the incident and has directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who is on the run.

While sympathising with the victims and their families, the governor ordered an immediate investigation to unravel how the motorist was able to get through security barricades to have access to the routes, which were closed to the public.

Ayade, who implored Nigerians to be calm, however, directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade in honour of the victims of the accident while promising to ensure the culprit is arrested and brought to book.