Speaker Abbas, Kalu mourn Kano athletes killed in road accident
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the athletes were part of the Kano State contingent returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
According to reports, the accident occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway when the vehicle conveying the athletes plunged into a river, killing 22 people and injuring several others.
Speaker Abbas extended his prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Kano State Government at this moment of grief.
“This is one unfortunate incident too many. May Allah give their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” the Speaker said, urging the relevant authorities and the Kano State Government to take measures to prevent reoccurrence.
Speaker Abbas also called for the immortalization of the deceased athletes, saying they paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The Speaker equally extended his condolences to all sport loving Nigerians, the National Sports Commission, among others.
In his own statement signed by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed sadness over the death of members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
According to reports, the athletes died in a road accident 50KM to Kano while returning from the just concluded festival held in Abeokuta.
The Deputy Speaker in a condolence message described the death of the young athletes as painful, heartbreaking and a devastating blow to the nation.
He noted that the late athletes through their passion, dedicated themselves to excellence in sports, for a brighter future for the nation, saying that their good deeds will never be forgotten.
Kalu extended his condolences to the deceased families, Kano State Government, National Sports Commission and all sport enthusiasts, praying to God to give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
