The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the bodies of three medical students who had been missing since a tragic boat accident at Marina Resort in Calabar.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the disappearance of three students, while eleven others from the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NiMSA) were successfully rescued.
In a statement to the press on Monday, Commissioner of Police Gyogon Grimah provided details of the recovery effort, revealing that the bodies found included two males and one female.
The deceased students have been identified as Mustapha Tukur from Ahmadu Bello University Medical Students’ Association (ABUMSA), Hamza Kabir also from ABUMSA, and Aisha Celestine Ogwu from University of Uyo Medical Students’ Association (UUMSA).
Reports indicate that several medical students had gathered from various universities across the country to participate in the NiMSA Annual Health Week in Calabar.
The boat accident occurred during their visit to Marina Resort, marking the day as a somber occasion for the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association, who mourned the loss of their fellow members.
The discovery of the bodies brings a tragic end to the search and rescue operation, leaving the medical community and the affected universities in a state of mourning.
As investigations into the accident continue, authorities will aim to determine the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Nigerian Medical Students’ Association, alongside the universities involved, expresses deep sorrow over the loss of their colleagues. They have declared the day as a black Monday, emphasizing the profound impact this incident has had on their community.