Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has expressed sadness over the incident that claimed seven lives during the Bikers Carnival at the ongoing Calabar carnival 2022 on Tuesday.
The governor made this known in a statement through his Special Adviser on media, Mr Christian Ita.
The incident occurred when a Toyota Camry car lost control and rammed into onlookers during the day five of the annual carnival.
The statement said that Ayade was devasted by the incident and directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who was on the run.
While sympathising with the victims of the accident and their families, the governor, ordered immediate investigation to unravel how the motorist beat security barricades to have access to the routes which were closed to the public.
Ita said the governor also directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade in honour of the victims of the accident.
While promising to ensure the culprit is arrested and brought to book, Ayade however, sued for calm.
NAN reports that seven persons died while 29 sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Wednesday expressed shock at the killing of seven fun seekers during the Carnival Bakers Parade in Calabar on Tuesday.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Cross River, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, stated on Wednesday in Calabar that its leadership was traumatised by the accident.
“The leadership of APC in Cross River is deeply pained and traumatised by the horrifying, saddening and devastating incident which has stained and shortened the joy and excitement of the Yuletide celebration.
“We mourn and sympathise with the families of the deceased and those injured who are currently receiving treatment.
“We also commiserate with our leader, Gov. Ben Ayade and indeed the entire people of our state over the harrowing incident.
“We pledge our support for the families of the deceased and survivors during this moment of grief and pain,’’ Ekpang stated.
He added that the party would do everything within its capacity to soothe the pain caused the families and the survivors.
He assured that the ugly and unfortunate occurrence would be addressed appropriately.
“We also want to state that this should not deter your confidence in the party as we are also out for you and your well-being.
“Please, once again, accept our deep sympathy on this unfortunate accident. We pray God to strengthen you and your families,’’ Ekpang stressed.
Calabar carnival 2022/NAN…
