By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commiserated with the governor of Kano State, Mallam Abba Kabiru Yusuf, and families of 22 members of the state’s contingent to the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash which occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
About 30 athletes were said to have been the vehicle.
The vehicle reportedly plunged off the bridge, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the closing ceremony of the games in Abeokuta, sent his condolences in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
Eyiboh quoted Akpabio as saying: “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Nigerian Senate and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government and people of Kano State.
“This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly our youth.
“We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their memories inspire us to work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all Nigerians.
“Once again, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Kano State and the families of the deceased.”
Also mourning, South-West chieftain of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Amb. Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in a statement on Sunday, June 1, described the incident as “a very sad one, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024, and who had a bright future ahead of them.”
Expressing condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, Oguntoyinbo prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes, calling on Almighty God to console their families and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also called on governments at both the state and federal levels to improve road facilities to avoid such incidents in the future.
“It is, indeed, saddening and distressing that 20 athletes who had represented Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway 2024 Games have lost their lives in the most traumatising and painful circumstances.
“This is a painful incident coming few days to the Eid-el-Kabir. These young people were budding stars who had a lot to give their state and country with their talents, skills, and creativity in particular.
“It is tragic that their beloved family members who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival will never get to see their beautiful faces again. My prayer and thought are with their families and friends at this terrible period.
“I, like all other parents, am deeply saddened by this incident. I pray that Almighty God will grant them eternal rest.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano State over this unfortunate incident. I pray that we will never witness this kind of tragic incident again.
“l also call on various state governments and the Federal Governments to improve road facilities to avoid such avoidable deaths on our roads,” he stated.
