Angry students of the Cross River State University (UNICROSS) on Monday in Calabar, stormed the General Hospital, Calabar, vandalising property and disrupting activities.
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 General Hospital, Calabar.
The protesting students destroyed the hospital bus, smashed windows, pulled down the facility’s signpost and threatened patients.
Following the incident, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, summoned 10 student leaders of the university for dialogue, where the students presented their grievances over the treatment of their injured colleagues
During the meeting, Odey assured them of government’s concern and intervention, disclosing that he deployed his personal vehicles and security aides to support the evacuation of the injured victims for urgent medical care.
He clarified that some patients were referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) because the General Hospital, Calabar, was overstretched at the time, not due to lack of capacity.
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The deputy governor thereafter directed the commissioner for jealth to remain fully engaged to ensure the proper treatment of the victims, adding that government would cover all the medical bills.
He also ordered a comprehensive assessment of the General Hospital, Calabar, to address any gaps, urging the public to avoid misinformation capable of escalating tensions, stressing that government remains open to constructive engagement, particularly with students.
Responding to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, denied reports of gunfire exchange or fatalities, insisting that no student was killed.
