It was reported that at least 21 athletes and officials from Kano State, who recently participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, have tragically lost their lives in a road accident.
The report further said that the accident took place on the Daka Tsalle bridge in the Garun Malam Local Government area around 8 am on Saturday where the bus encountered a pothole, which caused it to overturn.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who received with deep sorrow the tragic news of this accident extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives to the tragic incident.
He said, “This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence.
“It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages”.
Tinubu paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the State capital, on Saturday, said the incident had left him completely traumatized.
“Given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024”, he added.
Expressing condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, the Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes, saying that they were heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.
He said: “It is indeed saddening and distressing that 20 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and painful circumstances.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the 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. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.
“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 36 states, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again”, Abiodun said.
