Cross River Governor Ben Ayade has ordered discontinuation and investigation into Bikers/Exotic Cars parade of the Calabar Carnival tragedy as about seven persons were feared killed and over 20 injured.
The Bikers/Exotic Cars Parade is part of the events leading to the Calabar Carnival.
The tragedy was said to have occurred on Tuesday after an unregistered vehicle that took part in the event lost control and rammed into spectators at the Bogobiri axis of the carnival route.
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It was gathered that the victims were rushed to Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar, leading to the abrupt end of the event.
The governor in a swift press statement signed by his media adviser and chief press secretary, Barrister Christian Ita, 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.
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 devastated by the incident and has directed security agencies to apprehend the motorist who is on the run.