Students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) staged a protest on Monday, May 4, at the General Hospital in Calabar, accusing hospital staff of delayed and inadequate medical response to victims of a recent road accident involving members of the institution.
Details of the Accident
The protest followed a tragic incident on Saturday, May 2, when a vehicle carrying 24 students and a staff member crashed in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The accident claimed at least four lives and left several others injured. Many victims were reportedly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive returning from an official engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Protest and Allegations
During the demonstration, visibly aggrieved students accused hospital staff of failing to respond promptly, alleging that delays in providing emergency care contributed to the number of fatalities. They insisted that a more responsive intervention could have reduced casualties. The protesters carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, demanding accountability from hospital management and calling for urgent reforms in the facility’s emergency response system.
Security Intervention
Tension escalated within the hospital premises after security personnel were deployed to maintain order. Security agents fired teargas canisters to disperse the protesting students.
Demands for Investigation
The students called on the Cross River State Government and relevant health authorities to launch a full investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable. They also urged authorities to strengthen emergency healthcare services across the state to prevent a recurrence.
