Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong who represents the Cross River South Senatorial District in the National Assembly has expressed concern over Friday’s reported accident along the Calabar-Itu Road.
Initial reports were to the effect that about 17 lives were lost. But as at Saturday, a conflicting information emerged, that there were no casualties.
An unnamed official from the federal ministry of works who accepted that there was an accident on the road on Friday, however denied knowledge of any casualties. He said “upon making efforts to investigate and assist victims, we have established that the reported tragedy of yesterday involving 17 lives is fake news. It is unsettling to see how easily misinformation can spread and its attendant negative consequences.
“While we are immensely grateful to God Almighty that no lives were lost, we do not take such matters lightly. The thought of losing 17 lives was deeply distressing, and I must admit I was distraught upon encountering the report online yesterday(Friday).”
Ekpenyong, in a statement on his verified facebook page said “my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this moment of grief. I also extend sincere sympathies to those who sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. May God grant them healing, strength, and comfort.
“This painful event is yet another reminder of the long-standing infrastructural decay of the Calabar-Itu Road a major corridor between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States that continues to endanger lives.”
Ekpenyong who is also the senate committee chairman on NDDC, who also sponsored the bill that led to the establishment of the South South Development Commission, SSDC, promised to take the issue of the slow pace of work on the road to the floor of the senate.
“I will intensify another round of legislative and oversight efforts to ensure the speedy completion of key sections of this highway. I will engage directly with the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractors handling the project to ensure timelines are met and safety standards are upheld,” he said.
