The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Francisca Bassey, has expressed sorrow over the death of three students and a staff member of the institution who died in a road accident on May 1, 2026 NEGROIDHAVEN has learnt.
Bassey spoke on Friday during a solemn assembly and prayer session held at the university’s Calabar campus in honour of the deceased and in thanksgiving for the survival of other victims involved in the crash.
The accident occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area while the victims were returning from a trip.
The Vice Chancellor described the incident as painful and thanked God for preserving the lives of 21 survivors of the crash.
She disclosed that the university bus conveying the students had been properly serviced before the journey, adding that the accident happened after another vehicle reportedly veered into the path of the UNICROSS bus.
Bassey also commended the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof. Innocent Abang, for his swift medical response and efforts in attending to the victims.
According to her, the intervention by medical personnel helped to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries sustained by some of the survivors.
She further appreciated the Cross River State Government and the Students’ Union Government of the university for their support and rescue efforts following the accident.
The Vice Chancellor also praised members of the university management team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris Okey, and other principal officers for their commitment during the period of the tragedy.
Calling on members of the university community to seek God and live responsibly, Bassey urged students and staff to abandon destructive behaviour and embrace peaceful coexistence.
She said, “Let us look to God our Creator, who is the sustainer of our lives. He holds our today and tomorrow in His hands.
“Let us abandon destructive attitudes among ourselves. I want everyone to seize this opportunity to reconcile with God and repent.”
