By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey, on Monday summoned ten student leaders of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) following a violent protest in Calabar.
The protest erupted over alleged poor medical care and welfare for six students injured in last weekend’s fatal crash along the Calabar–Itu highway, which claimed four lives. The injured were taken to different hospitals, including the State General Hospital, Calabar.
Angry students stormed the General Hospital, vandalising property and disrupting activities. Witnesses said they destroyed a hospital bus, smashed windows, pulled down the facility’s signpost and threatened patients.
In response, the deputy governor invited student representatives to the Government House for dialogue. At the meeting, the students presented their grievances over the treatment of their injured colleagues.
Odey assured them of government’s concern and intervention, disclosing that he deployed his personal vehicles and security aides to support the evacuation of victims for urgent care.
He clarified that some patients were referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) because the General Hospital was overstretched at the time, not due to lack of capacity.
The deputy governor directed the Commissioner for Health to remain fully engaged to ensure proper treatment of the victims, adding that government would cover all medical bills. He also ordered a comprehensive assessment of the General Hospital to address any gaps.
He urged the public to avoid misinformation capable of escalating tensions, stressing that government remains open to constructive engagement, particularly with students.
Meanwhile, the police explained their response to the protest, stating that teargas was not deployed within the hospital premises to avoid endangering patients.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said officers initially pursued dialogue before resorting to teargas at the gate of the Governor’s Office when the situation deteriorated.
He denied reports of gunfire exchange or fatalities, insisting that no student was killed.
However, some students alleged that their injured colleagues received inadequate care, including lack of food and prompt medical attention, which triggered the protest.
Eyewitnesses also claimed there were gunshots during the unrest, though police maintained that no live ammunition was used.
Security was later reinforced around the area, with armed soldiers stationed near the 13 Brigade barracks and mobile policemen patrolling adjoining neighbourhoods to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
