Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have expressed sadness over the death of 22 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
They reacted separately through their social media handles to the tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, consoling the grieving families, Kano State and Nigeria.
Atiku on his X handle lamented that the young athletes were cut in their prime, adding that they represented the “very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise.”
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While he noted that their untimely passing is “a profound loss” to their families, Kano and the country, he said “It is imperative that we put in place and enforce safety measures to stem accidents and prevent loss of lives.”
On how part, Obi, said for him, the sad incident cut short the celebration over Nigeria’s victory over Jamaica on Saturday.
“As we continue to support initiatives that promote unity and national pride, let us also spare a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the families who now mourn.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the National Sports Commission and the Kano state Government during this difficult time,” he said.
Obi, who also reflected on the Super Eagles match with Jamaica, said it was not just a game but it was a moving celebration of our unity, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.
“Sitting among fellow Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, I witnessed once again how sports cement our unity, uplift us, and remind us of our shared hopes for a better, stronger nation. I commend the organizers for reviving this important event and for using it as a platform to showcase our heritage and the incredible talent of our young people. Congratulations, our Super Eagles, for making us proud,” he posted on his X handle.
On his party, Kwankwaso, a former Kano State, wrote, “Their passing is a profound loss not only to their families, but to the people of Kano and the entire country.
I extend my condolences to their families, the Kano State Government, and the Nigerian Sports Community.
May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may the injured have quick recovery.”
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