By Favour Adinya
Handful of students in Cross River State, have been left stranded amid high cost of transportation in the state.
The students who mostly hails from Cross River North senatorial district of Obudu, Ogoja, Obanliku, Bekwarra and Yala Local Government Areas, have find it a hard nut to crack after the Christmas and New Year break due to what is termed “outrageous” transport fare.
They lament that the hike has affected them negatively and delayed their return to camps in Calabar, the state capital.
CrossRiverWatch learned that from Ogoja and Bekwarra to Calabar, hits the rocket from N10,000 to N11,000 before the festive period. In December 2024, it rose to N14,000 to N15,000. As of today, Monday January 13, 2025, the fare stands at N18,000 to N19,000 per passenger, excluding luggage fees.
The situation has prompted netizens calling for salvation from politicians and representatives of the people as well as the state government.
In redemption, the Member representing the Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Honorable Peter Akpanke, has announced a transportation assistance program, providing three buses per Local Government Area for students returning to school.
The buses will convey commuters on Tuesday, January 14,2025, with departure time of 6:AM at Ashisong Filling Station, Utuhu Obanliku LGA with contact 08066533843.
That of Obudu LGA will be at M-R-S Fuel Station, Obudu with contact 08162574450, while that of Bekwarra LGA will take off at Unbeatable Fuel Station, Abouchiche with contact 0814441802.
Students however are advised to present their school Identity Card or last semester’s fee receipt before boarding.
