The APC National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel, has described the
death of Kano State athletes and officials while returning to Kano from Abeokuta after the recent National Sports Festival (NSF) as “heavy and disturbing.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the bus of the Kano State contingents was involved in a road accident on Saturday on the Kano-Kaduna highway, claiming 21 lives, including athletes, journalists and administrators.
The athletes had participated in NSF held in Ogun State.
Israel, also the Chairman, Board of Hospital Management, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, commiserated with the Kano State Government, NSF and the victims’ families.
He said that the tragic news cast shadows on the well-planned event, which drew the attention of world sporting bodies to Ogun and Nigeria.
He stated that “it is sad to hear the report of the sudden death less than 48 hours after the game.
“As humans, we are very touched about the unpleasant story, but the Almighty has pre-destined all our moves and our end is always hidden from us.
“As a political party, the youth wing is grieved and our hearts are heavy, but we pray Almighty Allah will grant the Kano State Government, families and the entire sport loving youths of Nigeria the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“This is a disturbing loss for Kano State and indeed the National Sport Commission, for the athletics community and especially for the families and friends of the individuals affected by this horrible incident.”
The ruling party youth leader prayed for speedy recovery of those currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Israel commended youths of the local community where the incident happened for providing first aid services to the injured and for rushing them to the nearest hospital.
He added that “as the leader of the youth wing of the ruling party in Nigeria, I am very much aware of government’s efforts toward prioritising safety and well-being of youths.
“My prayer is that a tragic incident of this nature shall never happen again. May Allah grant their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”(NAN)
