Isaac Samuel
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, have expressed deep grief over the tragic death of 22 athletes from Kano State in a road accident.
The athletes, who were part of the Kano State contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State, reportedly died when their vehicle plunged into a river along the Zaria-Kano Expressway while returning home. Several others sustained injuries.
In a statement Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the deceased athletes died in service to the nation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Government of Kano State at this difficult time. This is one unfortunate tragedy too many. May Allah grant the families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” Abbas said.
He urged the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and take urgent steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The Speaker also called for the immortalisation of the fallen athletes, describing their demise as a supreme sacrifice made in the line of duty.
In a separate condolence message signed by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the incident as “a painful and devastating blow to the nation.”
Kalu said the young athletes had dedicated themselves to sporting excellence and represented hope for a brighter future for the country.
“Their commitment, passion and patriotism will not be forgotten. Nigeria mourns these promising individuals who died while flying the nation’s flag,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker extended condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Government, the National Sports Commission and the sporting community, praying for divine comfort and strength in this time of sorrow.
