NNPP Blames Kano Athletes’ Deaths On Poor Road, Urges Action
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has attributed the tragic deaths of 20 Kano State athletes to the deplorable state of road infrastructure in Nigeria, calling for urgent and comprehensive government intervention to avert further loss of lives.
The athletes were returning from the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), also known as the Gateway 2024 Games, held in Ogun State, when the vehicle conveying them plunged off the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. All 20 occupants reportedly died on the spot.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NNPP’s Southwest chieftain, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a national tragedy that underscores the urgent need to fix Nigeria’s decaying road networks.
“It is indeed distressing that 20 athletes who represented Kano State at the Gateway 2024 Games have lost their lives in such painful and avoidable circumstances,” Ajadi said.
He noted that the victims were promising youths who had served their state and country with pride and had their futures cruelly cut short.
“These were budding stars with so much to offer their state and country through their talent and creativity,” he lamented.
“They left for Ogun State with hope, dreams, and determination. That they are returning in body bags is a burden no parent, community, or state should ever bear.”
Ajadi particularly bemoaned the timing of the accident, which occurred just days before the Muslim celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, a period meant for joy and family reunions.
“It is tragic that their loved ones, who eagerly awaited their return, will never see their faces again. My prayers and thoughts are with their families at this terrible time.”
He extended his condolences to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the people of the state, praying for comfort and resilience in their moment of mourning.
“I also express my heartfelt sympathy to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the entire people of Kano. May God grant them the strength to bear this immeasurable loss.”
Ajadi did not mince words in condemning the state of infrastructure across the country, blaming government neglect for the mounting road-related deaths.
“These deaths were avoidable,” he stated.
“We cannot continue to lose our future leaders, talents, and family members due to bad roads. I call on all levels of government—local, state, and federal—to take immediate steps to overhaul and maintain critical road infrastructure.”
He called for a national audit of all bridges, highways, and transport corridors, insisting that the safety of citizens must be placed above all political considerations.
“We need a proactive approach. Let this tragedy mark a turning point. We must invest in quality roads, proper signage, and regular maintenance to ensure no more lives are lost unnecessarily.”
NNPP Blames Kano Athletes’ Deaths On Poor Road, Urges Action is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
