A tragic road traffic accident along the Calabar-Ikom Highway has claimed four lives, with five others currently receiving treatment following the swift intervention of emergency responders.
The incident occurred on April 9, 2026, at Mkpani Village in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The accident involved a commercial Toyota Avensis Verso conveying eight passengers and a baby, which collided with a Lafarge cement trailer and became trapped underneath the truck.
A joint team comprising the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) encountered the scene at about 3:50 PM while returning from an assessment exercise in Obubra communities.
On arrival, the team met a crowd of onlookers and immediately intervened in rescue efforts to assist the victims.
Three persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The team successfully rescued the driver who was trapped in the vehicle and evacuated four critically injured victims to the General Hospital, Ugep.
One of the victims later died upon arrival at the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
Five survivors, including those rescued at the scene, are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Ugep, and are reported to be in critical condition.
Speaking at the scene, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Antigha Edem Gill, expressed concern over the increasing rate of road accidents linked to over-speeding on highways.
He cautioned drivers against endangering the lives of passengers in a bid to make multiple trips, particularly along the busy Calabar-Ikom Highway.
Mr. Edem Gill commended the collaborative efforts of the responding agencies, noting that the timely presence of the team at the scene contributed significantly to the rescue of survivors.
He described the intervention as a critical moment that underscored the importance of coordinated emergency response in saving lives.
Also speaking, the Head of Operations, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of NEMA, Mrs. Aisueni Mmandu, who supervised much of the rescue operation, expressed concern over the attitude of some onlookers at accident scenes.
She decried the tendency of individuals to record videos instead of assisting victims, urging members of the public to prioritize saving lives in emergency situations.
Mrs. Mmandu emphasized the need for compassion and prompt action, noting that such incidents could happen to anyone.
A representative of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Agbor, assured that the organization would continue to support the injured victims to ensure they receive the necessary medical care.
The incident highlights the critical role of emergency management agencies in rapid response situations and reinforces the need for road safety awareness among motorists across the state.
David Asu
