Devastation in Cross River: Tour Ends in Heartbreak as Bus Crash Kills Four Enugu Seminarians

 

A weekend tour meant to offer spiritual reflection and scenic pleasure turned into a devastating tragedy for the Enugu Catholic Church community, as four seminarians lost their lives in a fatal bus accident near the Obudu Ranch Resort. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Ikwete village, a location situated at the foot of the famed Obudu Ranch Hill in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The seminarians, traveling as part of a group under the leadership of a Reverend Father, had just concluded their tour of the picturesque highland resort and were en route back to Enugu when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses and preliminary investigations reveal that the vehicle transporting the 13-member group suffered a catastrophic brake failure. This mechanical fault led the bus to careen off the road, ultimately plunging into a deep valley at the Bottom Hill in Ikwete community.

Local sources confirmed that four seminarians died instantly upon impact. The scene, described by responders as harrowing, quickly drew the attention of nearby residents and security personnel. Among the survivors, nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital in Obudu, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin.

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, expressed his profound condolences in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill. The governor described the event as a "deeply sorrowful tragedy" and assured the public that the state government is actively reaching out to the victims' families. He pledged the administration’s full support in ensuring that the affected families receive the necessary assistance during this period of mourning.

“This heartbreaking incident has left a wound in our collective heart,” the statement read. “We stand in solidarity with the Enugu Catholic Diocese and the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this painful loss.”

Efforts to rescue the injured and manage the accident’s aftermath were swift, thanks in part to the prompt response of emergency units at the Ranch Resort. Personnel from the Nigerian Army stationed nearby played a crucial role in providing initial assistance at the scene, a move acknowledged by the state government with sincere appreciation.

Attention is now turning toward the safety protocols at tourist attractions like Obudu Ranch, especially given the treacherous nature of the roads leading up and down the hill resort. Governor Otu emphasized that visitor safety remains a top priority, noting that a comprehensive review of existing safety measures will be undertaken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The statement further called upon tourists, pilgrims, and all visitors to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys to high-altitude areas such as the Ranch. Additionally, the public has been urged to adhere strictly to safety guidelines both within and around the resort premises.

While investigations into the mechanical failure and circumstances of the crash continue, the Catholic Church community, the families of the deceased, and the people of Enugu and Cross River States are united in grief. The loss of four young seminarians—men who had dedicated their lives to spiritual service—has deeply shaken the region and underscored the importance of stringent vehicle maintenance, especially when navigating the challenging terrain of Obudu.

Communities in both states are expected to hold memorial services in the coming days. Local clergy members have described the loss as not just a tragedy for the families involved, but a monumental setback for the future of the Church.

“The pain is unimaginable,” said a priest close to the victims. “These were young men filled with faith and purpose. To lose them in such a manner is a blow that words cannot fully capture.”

As the state government continues its efforts to manage the aftermath and extend support, the public awaits further details about the victims, the extent of injuries sustained by the survivors, and any new findings from the ongoing investigation.

Updates will be provided by official channels as more information becomes available. For now, the hills of Obudu echo not with joy and laughter, but with mourning and prayers for the souls lost too soon.