Abiodun Mourns 21 Kano Athletes Killed In Fatal Road Crash
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the Kano State Government after 21 athletes of the state, who participated in the National Sports Festival died in an accident on Saturday.
The Kano State contingent was returning from Abeokuta after they represented the state at the 2024 Gateway Games.
The bus conveying the athletes was involved in a ghastly motor accident at Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State.
Abiodun expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident while commiserating with the Kano State Government in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
He said: “It is indeed saddening and distressing that 21 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and most painful circumstances.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, 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 33 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 grant 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 most unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”
Similarly, The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the 21 athletes in a statement signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The statement read: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the athletes, the state government, and the sports community in Kano State and Nigeria.
“We ask Allah to repose the souls of the athletes and give succour to their families at this difficult moment.”
Kano State finished 13th at the National Sports Festival with six gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze for a total of 29 medals.
Abiodun Mourns 21 Kano Athletes Killed In Fatal Road Crash is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
