CALABAR — The Cross River State Government has defended its emergency response to the recent road accident involving students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), dismissing allegations of negligence and warning against the spread of misinformation on social media NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In a statement issued by the State Ministry of Health, authorities described circulating claims about delayed or inadequate medical response as “misleading, inflammatory, and unfounded,” noting that such narratives risk undermining public trust during a period of mourning.
The accident, which occurred in Odukpani, claimed the lives of four persons, including three students and a staff member, while several others sustained injuries.
According to the Ministry, emergency response efforts were swift and coordinated, involving medical personnel at General Hospital Calabar and officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who facilitated the evacuation and transfer of victims.
It explained that critically injured patients were moved to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), a tertiary facility equipped to handle complex trauma cases, while those with less severe injuries were later managed at other hospitals, including the General Hospital.
The Ministry emphasized that all fatalities recorded from the crash occurred at the scene, insisting that no lives were lost due to delays or lapses in medical care at any health facility.
“All victims received prompt attention upon arrival at medical facilities. The decision to transfer critically injured patients was based strictly on professional medical judgment,” the statement noted.
Addressing public criticism over the timing of official communication, the Ministry stated that emergency situations of such magnitude require immediate life-saving interventions, adding that the absence of an instant press statement should not be interpreted as inaction.
“Relevant authorities were fully engaged on the ground, working diligently to stabilize victims and prevent further loss of life,” it added.
The statement further clarified that an official response had already been issued by Governor Bassey Edet Otu through his Chief Press Secretary, describing it as the authoritative position of government on the incident.
While acknowledging the role of public scrutiny, the Ministry cautioned against the deliberate spread of unverified information, warning that such actions could incite unnecessary tension and demoralize frontline health workers.
“Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but distortion of facts, particularly in moments of tragedy, raises serious ethical concerns,” the statement said.
The government urged residents to rely on verified information and disregard sensational claims, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring timely emergency response across the state.
The crash has continued to generate public reaction, with calls for improved road safety measures and accountability, even as authorities maintain that response efforts met required standards.
