A tragic incident occurred at the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort in Cross Rivers State, where a horrific bus crash, reportedly caused by brake failure, resulted in the deaths of four Catholic seminarians and left nine others injured on Saturday.
Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers, confirmed the incident in a statement. He stated that the victims were seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Diocese who were on a tour when the accident occurred.
According to Gill, the seminarians, accompanied by a Reverend Father, had just completed their tour of the Ranch Resort and were returning when their bus was involved in the accident in the bottom hill community.
He expressed condolences, saying, “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.”
Gill elaborated, “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 response to the tragedy, the Cross River State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Obudu Ranch Resort and the surrounding areas.
The statement included a focus on safety, asserting, “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 government urged visitors to prioritise safety, stating, “We urge all visitors to prioritise 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.”
In closing, the statement conveyed the state’s “heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”
Very sad development and commentary. May their souls rest in peace. Deep condolences to the Enugu Catholic diocese and the hapless parents of the deceased.