A fatal road accident near the Obudu Ranch Resort in Cross River State has claimed the lives of four young seminarians and left nine others critically injured.

The heartbreaking incident occurred as members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, under the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, were returning from a spiritual retreat. They were traveling in a bus bearing the inscription, “Catholic Diocese of Enugu – Order of Friars Minor Capuchin,” when tragedy struck.

Eyewitnesses say the vehicle lost control on a bend and veered off the road, crashing with great impact. Emergency responders and good Samaritans quickly rushed to the scene to evacuate victims and transport them to nearby hospitals.

The seminarians had journeyed to the renowned Obudu Ranch Resort, a peaceful destination often used for retreats and spiritual exercises. What was meant to be a moment of reflection and renewal has now turned into a time of mourning and pain for the Catholic community and the families of the victims.

Authorities have commenced an investigation into the exact cause of the crash, while the identities of the deceased and injured are being withheld pending official communication with their families.

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin are expected to release an official statement shortly.

This tragic loss is yet another reminder of the dangers on Nigeria’s roads and the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.