President Bola Tinubu and the former vice president, Mr Atiku Abubakar have expressed sadness that the tragic death of 21 Kano State athletes who lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the death of the athletic was a devastating blow to the nation.
He extended his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the families of the deceased.
In the statement, Tinubu said: “This tragedy 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.”
He paid tribute to the victims, noting that their dedication and aspirations reflected the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving transportation safety to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“The greatest honour we can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies and enhance safety standards across the nation’s transport systems,” the president added.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God to comfort and strengthen the bereaved families.
Similarly, Atiku said the incident is heartbreaking and a national tragedy that robbed the country of some of its most promising young talents.
“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
“These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation, dedicated, talented, and full of promise.
“Their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families and the people of Kano but to the entire country,” he said.
While calling for urgent reforms in transport safety, Atiku also stressed the need to put in place and enforce safety measures to stem accidents and prevent loss of lives.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Government, and Nigeria’s sporting community.
Recall that the accident occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge, Kura Area of Kano.
It involved a bus conveying the athletes back to their home state after participating in the national sports competition in Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, the Kano State government said efforts were underway to provide support to the victims’ families and ensure proper medical care for the injured.
The deputy governor of the state, Mr Aminu Gwarzo, said in a statement that the government had approved N1m support each to the families of 22 athletes.
The statement said Gwarzo made the announcement on Saturday during a condolence visit to Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, where the remains of the deceased were deposited.
“It is a very sad day for us in Kano and for the entire country. These young men were returning from a national assignment, having represented Kano with distinction. Some were even returning with gold medals. Tragically, their journey was cut short just a few kilometers from home,” he added.
In addition to the financial assistance, Gwarzo disclosed that the state government would also provide food items and other relief materials to help cushion the impact of the loss on affected families.
“We have already identified 20 of the victims here, while two others have been taken home by their families. The Governor has directed that the state government stand fully with the bereaved families and ensure that those injured receive the best medical attention,” he added.
Punch reported that the deputy governor also visited the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where seven injured athletes are currently receiving medical treatment.
He sympathised with the survivors and assured them of the government’s commitment to their full recovery.
He directed the immediate release of funds to support both the deceased families and the injured, emphasising the need for a compassionate and coordinated response.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the people of Kano State, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” Gwarzo added.
