By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Government has pledged its readiness to support the immediate family of the late Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer, Christopher Ashibi, once preliminary findings confirm the cause of his death.
Ashibi reportedly lost his life following an incident involving a vehicle in the convoy of Governor Bassey Otu along Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar on April 11, 2026.
The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, who spoke with journalists, described the development as unfortunate and conveyed the government’s condolences to the bereaved family.
He explained that preliminary findings confirmed that one of the vehicles in the governor’s convoy was involved in the incident, adding that a comprehensive investigation had been initiated to determine the exact circumstances.
“The security team with the governor’s convoy acknowledged that an incident occurred. Investigations are ongoing to establish what truly transpired,” Ekpang said.
He assured that Governor Otu would be fully briefed on the matter, stressing that the administration is committed to justice and will ensure the deceased’s family is not neglected.
“We will ensure due process is followed and appropriate actions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” he added.
Ekpang urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course, while also emphasising the need for strict adherence to road safety measures, particularly around moving convoys.
He dismissed claims suggesting a cover-up, describing such insinuations as baseless and insensitive.
“We have a responsive and humane government led by a man of compassion and empathy. Any suggestion that the government is attempting to conceal such a tragic incident is entirely wrong and unacceptable,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed the officer’s death, noting that both internal and external investigations are ongoing to ascertain responsibility.