*Tinubu mourns, Dapo Abiodun grieves
Tragedy struck on Saturday as 22 members of Kano State’s contingent to the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) lost their lives on their way back home from Ogun State, venue of the competition.
The leader of the Kano contingent to the games, former FIFA referee, Ibrahim Faggae, confirmed that 22 died out of the 30 people in the bus which included athletes, coaches and other staff of the Kano State Sports Commission.
It was learnt that the bus fell from the bridge.
Some of the athletes, according to the news, are medalists of the 22nd National Sports Festival and others who travelled to Abeokuta for the games.
Already, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock just as he sent a condolence message to the government and people of Kano State.
Abiodun grieves over death of 22 members of Kano contingent in auto crash
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning home after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash about 50 kilometres from Kano after passing through Kaduna State, claiming the lives of 22 athletes.
Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, said the incident had left him completely traumatised, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024, and who had a bright future ahead of them.
Expressing condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, Abiodun prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes.
He described them as heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.
Tinubu mourns late Kano contingent
…orders national emergency response to Mokwa flood disaster
President Bola Tinubu has received with deep sorrow the tragic news of an accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident.
“This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” the President said.
President Tinubu paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
In a related development, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has led to the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous families.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time,” the President stated on his X handle on Friday night.
Upon receiving the initial reports, President Tinubu directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and has since been fully briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.
Search-and-rescue operations are underway, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response. Relief materials and temporary shelters are being deployed without delay.
“I assure all those impacted that our government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response—one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” the President said.
President Tinubu also directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.
He called on all Nigerians to keep the people of Mokwa in their thoughts and prayers.
“In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity,” the President said in a personal statement.
*Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
