The National Association of Nigerian Students has raised concerns over alleged delays in medical attention for victims of a road accident involving students of the University of Cross River State, which claimed four lives.
The incident, which involved 24 students and a staff member, reportedly led to the deaths of three students and the institution’s driver, sparking outrage among student leaders in Cross River State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Chairman of NANS Joint Campus Council in the state, Victor Asuquo, decried what he described as delayed or denied treatment for some of the injured at a General Hospital shortly after the crash.
He said NANS officials visited several hospitals where the victims were receiving care and observed varying conditions among the injured.
“While some of the students are responding to treatment, others remain in critical condition. We are deeply concerned that some victims reportedly experienced delays in accessing medical care at a crucial time,” he stated.
The association called on relevant authorities to investigate the alleged lapse and ensure accountability, stressing that emergency healthcare services must not be compromised under any circumstances.
However, NANS commended the efforts of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and Arubah Specialist Hospital for their prompt response and professionalism in treating the victims.
It also praised the Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Francisca Bassey, for visiting the injured students late into the night, describing the move as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.
Meanwhile, the university community has continued to mourn the victims of the crash, which occurred in Odukpani Local Government Area while the students were returning from an official engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The institution identified the deceased students as Solomon Uya, Lucky Erim and Favour Darlington, alongside the driver, Anthony Arikpo.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Onen Ebri, the university expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the injured were receiving adequate medical attention.
As part of mourning measures, NANS directed all student associations in the state to suspend social activities for seven days in honour of the victims.
