Cross River state Governor, Bassey Otu, has decried the brazen disregard for safety measures and due diligence in the wake of a boat mishap involving 14 medical students.
Within Nigeria had reported how a boat conveying fourteen fun-seeking medical students from Marina resort in Calabar to Oron beach in Akwa Ibom capsized, while 11 persons were rescued three persons are still missing.
The students had converged in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, for the annual NIMSA Health Week and, as part of the activities, decided to visit the resort, where some embarked on a boat cruise.
In a statement late Saturday night, Otu condemned the safety standards at the resort, adding that he has been deeply worried by the incident.
He vowed that anyone found guilty of having compromised on safety would be severely dealt with.
“The news of a cruise boat mishap at the Marina Resort, a tourist and relaxation destination in Calabar, is saddening and calls for concern not only as your governor but as a parent.
“To imagine that the boat was overcrowded and some of those on it were without life jackets is of even greater concern and the more reason why the state government will be investigating the incident, and all those found culpable of having compromised on safety standards will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Two members of the state House of Assembly, Victor Nsa and Effiong Ekarika, both representing Calabar South 1 and 2, also blamed the management of the resort for negligence.
The three missing students were yet to be found as of the time of writing this report 12 hours after the incident.
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