Izuchukwu OkosiThe Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the just concluded Gateway Games, Ogun 2024, have extended heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government and its people over the death of 21 athletes who were journeying back to the state after their participation at the Games in Abeokuta.
The bus conveying the Kano team was said to have been involved in a crash at the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State after passing Kaduna State.
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The Executive Secretary of the LOC, Dr Kweku A. Tandoh stated that the news of the killing of the athletes was a sad moment for the sporting fraternity in Nigeria.
“We are saddened by this incident, particularly with the death of these young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, skills and creativity in sports.
“Words cannot adequately express the sorrow the LOC feels at this loss.
“We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the departed ones, and we pray that God will comfort the families,” Tandoh concluded.
Rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing when media organizations broke the news of the tragedy.
Emergency responders are working assiduously to provide aid and determine the full extent of the tragedy.
Investigations have continued amid efforts to support survivors and the bereaved.
Deaths on dilapidated Nigerian roads and danger spots where armed bandits and terrorists have stationed have continued to cost the lives of Nigerian sports stars and others in the sports industry.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, had joined well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the athletes.
This was contained in Press Release signed by the Chairman, Office of the Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports (ONPS), Prince Ajide Olayioye, on Saturday, and made available to journalists
No fewer than 21 athletes, reportedly fared dead, as the state’s contingents to the just-concluded National Sports Festival tagged Gateway 2024 who were returning home, got involved in an auto accident.
The Kano State’s Sports Commission Chairman, Umar Faggie, confirmed that the accident occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura LGA of the state.
The athletes traveled in a bus branded “Kano State Sports Commission” and the vehicle reportedly flipped off the bridge.
Those who survived the crash have, reportedly, been taken to Kura General Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Ejidike describes the accident as a national tragedy, as those athletes who lost their lives were potential champions, that could win medals for the country, in the nearest future.
The Anambra-born Sports philanthropist, while praying for the repose of the soul of the departed athletes, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Ejidike who is also the patron of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club wishes those who survived the ghastly accident, a very quick recovery.
The former President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) equally commiserated with critical stakeholders in the Nigerian sporting community, especially, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Umar Fagge; the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that, the loss that their deaths represent for the nation cannot be qualified.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
