Four Seminarians dead, nine injured in Obudu Ranch bus crash

A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of four Catholic seminarians and left nine others injured near the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria.

The victims, all members of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, were on an excursion to the ranch when their vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure.

The incident occurred on Saturday at the Ikwette community, located near the bottom hill area outside the main ranch premises.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the group had just concluded a guided tour of the popular Obudu Mountain Resort and were descending the hill when the accident took place.

The bus, which belonged to the Enugu Catholic Diocese, was carrying thirteen individuals at the time.

Emergency services from the Ranch Resort, supported by personnel from the Nigerian Army, responded promptly to the scene, providing immediate medical assistance and helping to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities.

The Diocese has confirmed that the group was led by a Reverend Father and comprised mostly seminarians undergoing religious training.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be fully released pending notification of their families.

“This is a deeply painful moment for the Church and the families involved,” said a representative of the Diocese. “We ask for prayers and support as we navigate this difficult time.”

Investigations are ongoing, with brake failure currently cited as the likely cause of the accident.

In a related development, the Government of Cross River State commiserates with families of those whose loved ones were involved in the fata accident that clamed four lives and nine injured in Ikwette Community by Obudu Ranch Bottom Hill in Obudu Local Government Area of the state.

The unfortunate incident which occurred on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to nine others.

The state government in a press release made available by Governor Bassey Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gill Nsa said “our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.”

The accident involved a vehicle carrying thirteen individuals, and preliminary reports suggest that brake failure may have contributed to the devastating incident.

Emergency services at the Ranch Resort including personnel of the Nigerian Army were said to have responded promptly, and “we extend our gratitude to them for their swift action in providing assistance.”

According to the government, information on the full identity of the victims is still being gathered, but they are known to be seminarians who came in a bus belonging to the Enugu Catholic Church Diocese. They were led on a tour by a Reverend Father.

The victims were said to have finished their tour of the Ranch and encountered the unfortunate incident at the bottom hill community, outside the Ranch premises.

In the wake of this tragedy, the state government is making necessary contacts to reach the various families and provide any needed assistance.

“Safety is our utmost priority in the Ranch Resort and beyond; and we will be reviewing the safety measures in place at the Ranch Resort for every visitor.

“We urge all visitors to prioritize safety, including the roadworthiness of their vehicles, and to adhere to all guidelines while coming to our beautiful attractions, and leaving the confines of the Resort,” the release pleaded.

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