The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed its response to a fatal road traffic accident in Mkpani, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, which claimed four lives and left several others injured.
The incident occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on April 9, 2026, along the Calabar–Ikom Highway, involving a commercial vehicle and a truck belonging to Lafarge Africa. The crash resulted in multiple casualties, including fatalities and injuries.
Preliminary assessments suggest that over-speeding and possible loss of control may have contributed to the accident, although authorities say investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause.
NEMA disclosed that three victims died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at Ugep General Hospital. Four other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, while an infant involved in the crash was reported unharmed. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue.
Following the incident, the NEMA Uyo Operations Office activated its emergency response protocols, deploying rescue teams to the scene for search, rescue, and recovery operations. Injured victims were evacuated to Ugep General Hospital for treatment, while responders also worked to clear the accident site and restore traffic flow.
The operation was carried out in coordination with key agencies, including the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CRSEMA), the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Authorities said the situation has since been brought under control, with normal traffic restored. The accident scene has been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer for further investigation and security management.
NEMA added that its response teams were demobilised after concluding search and recovery operations at about 5:30 p.m., while medical care for the injured continues.
