The Cross River State Government has expressed deep sympathy over the death of four seminarians in an auto accident in Obudu Ranch Resort. The accident also resulted in nine others sustaining different degrees of injuries.
The accident happened at Ikwette community by Obudu Ranch Resort bottom hill, according to a statement by Nsa Gill, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu.
“The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to nine others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
“The accident involved a vehicle carrying thirteen individuals, and preliminary reports suggest that brake failure may have contributed to this devastating incident.”
Gill said the victims were seminarians who came for a tour in a bus belonging to the Enugu Catholic Diocese.
“They were led on a tour by a Reverend Father. They had finished their tour of the ranch and encountered the unfortunate incident at the bottom hill community, outside the ranch premises,” he said.
While sending condolences to the families of the victims, the Cross River State Government said it was committed to making Obudu Ranch Resort and all parts of the state safe.
“Safety is our utmost priority in the Ranch Resort and beyond, and we will be reviewing the safety measures in place at the Ranch Resort for every visitor,” the statement issued on Sunday added.
“We urge all visitors to prioritize safety, including the roadworthiness of their vehicles, and to adhere to all guidelines while coming to our beautiful attractions and leaving the confines of the Resort.”
“Once again,” the statement further read, “our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”
The full statement reads:
Fatal accident at Ikwette community by Obudu Ranch bottom Hill
It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the tragic accident that occurred at Ikwette community by Obudu Ranch Resort bottom hill on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to nine others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
The accident involved a vehicle carrying thirteen individuals, and preliminary reports suggest that brake failure may have contributed to this devastating incident.
Emergency services at the Ranch Resort including personnel of the Nigerian Army responded promptly, and we extend our gratitude to them for their swift action in providing assistance.
Information on the full identity of the victims is still being gathered, but they are known to be seminarians who came in a bus belonging to the Enugu Catholic Church Diocese. They were led on a tour by a Reverend Father. They had finished their tour of the ranch and encountered the unfortunate incident at the bottom hill community, outside the ranch premises.
In the wake of this tragedy, the state government is making necessary contacts to reach the various families and provide any needed assistance.
Safety is our utmost priority in the Ranch Resort and beyond; and we will be reviewing the safety measures in place at the Ranch Resort for every visitor. We urge all visitors to prioritize safety, including the roadworthiness of their vehicles, and to adhere to all guidelines while coming to our beautiful attractions, and leaving the confines of the Resort.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we ask for respect for the privacy of the victims’ families as they navigate this painful time.
Once again, our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
