The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of 22 athletes from Kano state on Saturday along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
The athletes, who were part of the Kano state contingent at the just-concluded Nigerian National Sports Festival held in Ogun State, were returning from the event when their vehicle reportedly plunged into a river, killing 22 persons, and leaving several others injured.
Describing the incident as tragic, Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, and quick recovery for the 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.
Abbas also called for the immortalisation of the deceased athletes, saying they paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu expressed sadness over the death of members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Kalu 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.
