UNIPORT Student, Infant, and One Other Die in Rivers Road Crash

A fatal accident in Rivers State on Monday has claimed the lives of a University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) student, an infant, and another unidentified person. 

The crash occurred at the Rumuokoro axis of the Eliozu-Rumuokoro Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Witnesses said a UNIPORT shuttle bus lost control and slammed into a stationary truck near the Eliozu Flyover. The driver was reportedly speeding at the time. 

An anonymous eyewitness suggested that as many as five people may have died—mostly students—though only three fatalities have been officially confirmed. Rivers State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Inyang Umoh, stated that two women and a child were found dead at the scene. He confirmed the bus driver was rescued in an unconscious state. 

“The vehicle was speeding and rammed into a parked truck,” Umoh said. 

UNIPORT spokesperson Dr. Sammy Kpenu clarified that only one student from the institution died in the incident—Silvia Oko, a 300-level Economics student. “Contrary to online reports, only Silvia Oko lost her life. 

Another student, Chidinma Blessing, sustained facial injuries and underwent successful surgery. She is now stable,” Kpenu noted. He added that the university acted swiftly to identify those involved and contact their families.