By Adenike Lawal
The Cross River State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of four Catholic seminarians and left nine others injured near the Obudu Ranch Resort on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The victims, seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Diocese, were on an educational tour of the iconic Obudu Ranch when tragedy struck.
Their vehicle, guided by a Reverend Father, reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the steep terrain around the Ikwette community, resulting in a fatal crash.
Despite swift intervention by emergency responders and the Nigerian Army stationed at the resort, four young lives were lost.
Governor Bassey Otu, in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, described the incident as a heartbreaking moment for the state and the nation.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, and the entire Catholic faithful.
“This is a painful moment not just for the families affected but for all of us in Cross River State.
We mourn with you and commit to ensuring that necessary safety measures are evaluated to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future,” the governor stated.
The government also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured and pledged its commitment to improving safety standards, especially in tourist destinations like Obudu Ranch.
The tragedy has cast a cloud of grief over the serene hills of the resort, turning what was meant to be a moment of learning into a season of mourning.
