Customs officer dies in Cross River auto crash

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A 54-year-old officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Prince Etteng Ise, has died in a lone auto crash along the Ikom-Calabar Highway in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

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Ise, who was serving at the Mfum Border in Etung Local Government Area, reportedly lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid a pothole.

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Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the accident occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, near Alesi Village in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.

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According to Eitokpah, the vehicle veered into a bush and crashed into a tree after the deceased lost control while trying to avoid the pothole.

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The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command regrets to report a lone fatal motor accident which occurred today, 7 September 2026, at about 2:56 p.m. along the Ikom–Calabar Highway, near Alesi Village, Ikom Local Government Area.

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“Preliminary information indicates that the victim, identified as Prince Etteng Ise, 54, a Customs Officer serving at Mfum Border, Etung LGA, reportedly lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid a pothole. The vehicle veered into the bush and collided with a tree”, part of the statement read.

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The police spokesman said Ise was pronounced dead by a medical doctor at Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, where residents had rushed him, while his remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary.

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“The victim was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary”, the statement said.

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The command commiserated with the deceased’s family, colleagues and the Nigeria Customs Service, while urging motorists to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while driving along the highway.

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“The Command commiserates with the deceased’s family, colleagues and the Nigeria Customs Service, and urges motorists to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while driving”, ASP Sunday Eitokpah added.

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