Customs officer dies after auto crash in Cross River

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.

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

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.

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

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

“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.”

The police spokesman said Ise was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, by residents, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

He added that the deceased’s remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary.

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.

“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,” Eitokpah added.