Following the reported mayhem that erupted in Calabar where as many as ten persons were feared killed and over 20 injured, Governor Ben Ayade has ordered discontinuation of a segment of the Calabar Carnival.
A car rammed into the crowd barely one hour after the flag-off of the Bikers/Exotic Cars Parade, which is part of the events leading up to Wednesday’s Carnival in Calabar.
The driver of the vehicle who was taking part in the event today December 27, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into spectators at the Bogobiri axis of the carnival route.
About 10 people were said to have died, an unconfirmed number of persons sustained various degrees of injuries.
The affected persons were rushed to Navy Reference hospital, Calabar.
The governor in a swift press statement signed by his media adviser and chief press secretary, Barrister Christian ita, has also ordered immediate investigation into the incident.
Part of the statement said, “While sympathising with the victims of the accident and their families, the governor has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel how the motorist was able to get through security barricades to have access to the routes which were closed to the public.”
Ita said the Governor directed the immediate discontinuation of the Bikers parade in honour of the victims of the accident.
Governor Ayade while promising to ensure the culprit is arrested and brought to book, however, sued for calm.
An errant motorist allegedly ploughed into a crowd that thronged the Carnival route to watch the bikers parade.
Ita said Governor Ayade is sad and devasted by the incident and has directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who is on the run.
