By Kelvin Ololo And Sylvia Akpan
The University of Cross River State, has held a solemn assembly and prayer session at its Calabar campus in honour of three students and a staff member who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victims were involved in the accident on Friday, May 1, 2026, while returning to Calabar after participating in a friendly football match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The gathering, themed “Oh Lord, Show UNICROSS Mercy,” drew members of the university management, staff, students, religious leaders, loved ones of the institution, and well-wishers in an atmosphere of grief, prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for the preservation of lives.
Speaking during the solemn assembly, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Francisca Bassey, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy while thanking God for sparing the lives of 21 survivors of the accident.
She described the incident as painful and called on members of the university community to remain grateful to God for His protection and mercies.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the university bus conveying the students had been properly serviced before embarking on the trip. She explained that the crash occurred after another vehicle reportedly veered into the path of the UNICROSS bus.
Prof. Bassey commended the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council (CMAC) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Innocent Abang, for his swift medical intervention and efforts in assisting the victims, noting that his prompt response helped save lives and prevent severe injuries.
She also praised the Government of Cross River State and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of UNICROSS for their support, rescue efforts, and solidarity during the emergency.
The VC further acknowledged the commitment of members of the university management team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Stella Maris Okey, and other principal officers who worked tirelessly throughout the period of the tragedy.
Calling on staff and students to seek God and shun destructive lifestyles, Prof. Bassey urged the university community to embrace repentance and reconciliation.
“Let us ask God for mercy and be devoid of wickedness, envy, fighting, and destructive lifestyles. Let us look to God our Creator, who is the sustainer of our lives,” she said.
She added that the solemn assembly should serve as a moment of reflection and repentance for both the leadership and members of the institution.
Special prayers were offered for divine mercy, protection, peace, and continued progress of the university community.
A sermon titled “Vessels of Mercy, Carriers of His Glory” was delivered by Prof. Innocent Abang, who also ministers as a pastor. The message centered on repentance, God’s mercy, and total dependence on God. Other ministers, including Ayang Umoren, also offered prayers during the gathering.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Ogar Favour, who survived the accident, expressed appreciation to God, the university management, and all individuals who contributed to the rescue and support efforts.
The solemn assembly marked the climax of activities organized by the university management following the declaration of a week of mourning in honor of the deceased.
Students Protest, Police Deny Shooting Amid Mourning Declaration
Meanwhile, tension had grown as the varsity students staged a peaceful protest in early May in Calabar, marching toward the General Hospital and the Government House over grievances linked to the treatment of victims of the accident.
The protest, which began on campus, escalated as students moved toward key public institutions, expressing anger over what they described as the “nonchalant response” of health workers attending to victims injured.
According to a student protester who spoke on condition of anonymity with CrossRiverWatch, the demonstration was triggered by dissatisfaction with the medical attention given to members of the students’ Executive Council (EXCO) involved in the crash, which reportedly claimed four lives, including a staff member, and left several others injured.
Eyewitness accounts alleged that the protest turned violent, with initial reports suggesting that two students sustained gunshot wounds during the unrest. However, authorities denied the claim.
A source told CrossRiverWatch that the situation at the General Hospital became chaotic as patients and medical staff fled the premises over safety concerns.
In response, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said security operatives had brought the situation under control, dismissing reports of any shooting.
“I’ve been right on the scene from the onset and so far so good, we’ve been able to put the situation under control,” he said.
“None of the protesters were gunned down. Smoke guns were shot into the air to control the protesters who were beginning to get violent,” he stated.
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