Abuja, Nigeria — Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, Chairman of the Gombe State Athletics Association, has expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of members of the Kano State Sports Contingent returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a press statement issued in Abuja and made available to journalists, he said:
Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of 20 Kano State Athletes
“I would like to use this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the Kano State Sports Contingent that lost their lives while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a press statement issued in Abuja and made available to journalists, he said:
Gov Yusuf Declares Monday Public Holiday to Mourn Kano Athletes
“I would like to use this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the Kano State Sports Contingent that lost their lives while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
This tragic incident calls for national mourning, not only in Kano State but across the country. I would also like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Kano State — a place where I once served as Special Adviser to the former Governor, His Excellency Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
I knew many of the athletes we lost in this tragedy. It took me this long to issue a statement because I was utterly speechless and in tears.
However, as the saying goes, ‘We came from God, and to Him we shall return.’ Perhaps it was divinely ordained that they would not pass that bridge. That bridge has a tragic history; it has claimed many lives over the years. The drivers attached to the ill-fated bus also died.
The bridge was well constructed with good pavements, yet it remains difficult to understand how the bus skidded off and plunged beneath. This is something I cannot explain, and only God Himself can. We must accept this fate.
On behalf of the Gombe Athletics Association, Gombe Athletics Academy, and as Chairman and CEO of Green White Green Sports Center Ltd., I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Sadly, I do not believe this is the appropriate time for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to hold an election during a period of national mourning. If the elections were previously postponed due to the National Sports Festival, why is it suddenly urgent to hold them now, despite the loss of 22 lives?
It is deeply concerning that some insensitive individuals are still prioritizing elections at a time like this, which is highly inappropriate. Since the AFN leadership appears unwilling to postpone the elections, I call on the National Sports Commission to intervene and suspend the election until the nation has properly mourned these tragic losses.”