*** Four Catholic Seminarians Lose Lives in Tragic Cross River Accident
*** Deputy Governor, Odey Visits Survivors of Obudu Ranch Resort Accident.
*** Abandoned Car Claims Lives of Five Children in Nasarawa
Four Catholic seminarians lost their lives, and nine others were heavily injured in a tragic accident at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Cross River State’s Ikwette community on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The seminarians, travelling in a bus owned by the Enugu Catholic Diocese, were on a guided tour led by a Reverend Father when the incident occurred.
Initial investigations suggested brake failure was the cause of the crash, which happened outside the ranch premises at the bottom hill community.
It was gathered that there were 13 passengers in total, all seminarians, with four fatalities and nine injuries reported.
Emergency services, including Nigerian Army personnel, responded promptly to provide assistance to the accident victims.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ODEY VISITS SURVIVORS OF OBUDU RANCH RESORT ACCIDENT
On the heels of the tragic accident that occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Ikwette community near the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local Government Area, which claimed six lives and left seven others injured, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has visited the survivors of the accident.
The Deputy Governor arrived at the Sacred Heart Catholic Hospital in Obudu on Sunday afternoon, where the injured victims are currently receiving medical attention.
During the visit, he expressed profound grief over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the state government.
“This is a painful loss for all of us,” he said. “We pray that God comforts the families of the deceased and grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Rt. Hon. Odey also assured the injured victims of the state government’s full support toward their recovery. While encouraging them, he wished them a speedy recovery. “May you heal quickly and find strength in this difficult time,” he prayed.
He further reassured the bereaved families that the government would stand firmly by them, emphasizing that the administration is committed to ensuring the best possible care for those who sustained injuries.
He also commended the swift response of the emergency service unit at the Ranch Resort, including the Nigerian Army personnel, for their prompt action in providing assistance at the scene of the accident.
The Deputy Governor, accompanied by clergymen and government officials, was guided through the wards by medical personnel during the visit to the health facility.
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident involved a commercial vehicle conveying tourists from the ranch. The vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure and lost control while approaching a sharp bend at the Ikwette community, located at the base of the Obudu Ranch Resort hill.
Abandoned Car Claims Lives of Five Children in Nasarawa
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa has launched an investigation into the tragic deaths of five children who were found unresponsive inside an abandoned vehicle in the Agyaragu community in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has directed an investigation into the tragic deaths of five children in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area (LGA).
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, the children’s bodies were discovered inside an old, unusable vehicle at the home of Mr. Abu Agyeme.
The Commissioner has ordered a full investigation to uncover the details of the incident. “He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended the command’s heartfelt condolences to the grieving families,” the statement read.
The police also warned parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be cautious and ensure that children do not have access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision.
The incident was reported on Sunday around 5:30 p.m. by a local resident. The man, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, informed the police that the children, aged between six and ten years, were found unconscious inside the vehicle.
Upon reaching the scene, the officers found the children locked in the abandoned car. They were rushed to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where the doctor sadly confirmed they had all died, likely due to suffocation.
Nansel also noted, “This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019.” Due to severe burns from the heat on their bodies, the deceased children’s remains were returned to their parents for burial.
