The last carnival of the current governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade has started on a sour note as an errant motorist sneaked into the bikers’ carnival procession and rammed in to funseekers who had trooped out in large number to witness the annual showpiece which had been suspended for two years due to COVID 19. Seven persons were confirmed dead in the accident while close to 29 persons, including children, were injured.

The Bogobiri area of Calabar is area which a large concentration of Nigerians of northern extraction and is usually famous for the popular Nigerian delicacy, suya meat, hence many prefer to stay within the area and watch the carnival. It is also a refreshment point for participants. This is the reason the area had a larger concentration of fun seekers at the time of the accident. The accident might affect future influx to the area during the carnival.

Speaking on how the incident happened, the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Maikano Hassan, who confirmed the accident, said the incident occurred in front of the Jumat Mosque in Bogobiri, Calabar, during the Bikers Carnival activity, which is part of the carnival, when a motorist lost control of his car and rammed into the fun seekers watching the bikers’ parade.

Hassan listed the number of injured to include 21 male adults, three women, two male children and three female children.

According to him, those injured were taken to the naval hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical attention while the remains of the dead had been deposited in the two hospitals in Calabar.

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, was already seated with other dignitaries when the accident occurred. The incident brought the day five activities to a sudden end.

Reacting to the incident, the Corss River State go0vernment, in a release signed by the Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah and the Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Events, Mr. Ken Aklah, warned motorists in Calabar to respect the laws of the Land and also adhere to the barricades along the Carnival routes.

The Carnival commission sympathized with the families and victims of the unfortunate incident during the Bikers’ Parade.

The release said: “Henceforth any Vehicle that breaks the Cordons and Barricades on the Streets during the carnival Season will be severely dealt with according to the laws of the Land.

  All revellers and Participants of the Annual Festival should endeavor to be law abiding in the Spirit of the Season.

  The Commission assures all Residents that things are under control and Order will be enforced in the city. The Commission assures all visitors of their well-being and security in Calabar.”