Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident involving students and a staff member of University of Cross River State, describing the heartbreaking incident as a devastating loss that has plunged Cross River State into collective mourning and left an immeasurable void in the hearts of its people.
In a solemn statement issued on behalf of the Government and good people of Cross River State, Governor Otu said the state received the tragic news “with hearts shattered by grief, unspeakable anguish, and profound sorrow,” noting that the painful accident has “cast a dark pall over our state and plunged our collective spirit into mourning.”
The Governor lamented the cruel loss of “bright, promising young lives filled with hope, brilliance, and boundless possibility,” whose futures, he said, were suddenly cut short in one painful moment, alongside “a devoted staff member whose faithful service was marked by dedication and quiet sacrifice.” He added that “dreams carefully nurtured were silenced, futures radiant with promise were extinguished, and families have been thrust into a grief so deep that words fail before its enormity.”
Reflecting on the enormity of the tragedy, Governor Otu described the deceased as “precious sons and daughters of Cross River—young lives full of courage, leadership, and promise—whose journeys ended far too soon.” He said the state grieves deeply with “parents whose beloved children left home with hope in their eyes but will never return,” as well as with siblings, friends, and colleagues now left with “memories drenched in tears and sorrow.”
He also acknowledged the profound pain being borne by the entire UNICROSS community, noting that the institution’s “halls of learning now stand heavy with silence, grief, and unbearable absence.” According to him, “No words can heal such deep wounds,” but expressed faith that “Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will comfort every broken heart, strengthen every weary soul, and grant eternal rest to the departed.”
Governor Otu further extended heartfelt prayers to survivors currently receiving medical attention, assuring them of the solidarity, prayers, and support of the government and people of the state. “As a government, we bow in solemn mourning and stand in prayerful solidarity with those receiving medical care, trusting God for their full healing and restoration,” he said.
Calling for unity in compassion and prayer, the Governor stressed that the tragedy is one that touches every corner of the state. “In this painful hour, Cross River stands as one family—united in tears, compassion, and prayer,” he stated, adding that “the pain of UNICROSS is the pain of all Cross Riverians, and together we carry this sorrow with love and shared humanity.
“As Cross River mourns the loss of its young and promising sons and daughters, the state remains united in honoring their memory, comforting the bereaved, and praying for healing for those still recovering from the tragic incident.”
