Bus passenger slumps, dies in Calabar

An elderly woman, identified as Mrs Afiong Peters slumped in the evening of Saturday and died while on a commercial bus.

It was not immediately known what caused her sudden unresponsive situation but some of the passengers thought perhaps she was under stress or had some medical challenges.

But the state police command have reacted and confirmed the death.

In a statement signed by the command’s PRO, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said, “The Cross River State Police Command confirms the unfortunate death of a female passenger, Mrs Affiong Peters, following a medical emergency that occurred on the night of Saturday, 11th July, 2026, in Calabar.”

He said that their preliminary findings indicated that at about 11:30 p.m., a commercial mini bus driver, Mr. John Okon John, reported at Atakpa Police Station that while conveying eight passengers from Watt Roundabout in Calabar and was heading towards the Edgerly–Mbukpa–Afukam axis, one of the passengers requested to alight at a point on Edgerly Road off William George.

“In the course of making room for the passenger to disembark, Mrs Affiong Peters stepped out of the vehicle. She suddenly sat on the ground, became unresponsive, and was unable to speak.

“Concerned passengers immediately assisted in returning her to the vehicle, and she was promptly taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, for emergency medical attention. Regrettably, she was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.”

Akata disclosed that the deceased’s family has since been identified and duly informed. “They are currently making arrangements for the preservation of her remains.”