‘Monumental tragedy’ — NNPP seeks immortalisation of Kano athletes

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has described the death of members of the Kano state’s contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival as a “colossal loss”.

On Saturday, a bus conveying the athletes back to Kano slipped off the Dakatsalle bridge in Kura LGA of the state.

The accident led to the death of 22 members of the team while others sustained injuries.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s spokesperson, said the deceased were patriots who died in their prime.

“It was really shocking, but now we have to find the strength to cope with this monumental tragedy,” the statement reads.

“It is very sad, and we duly commiserate with the families and the government of Kano state over the horrendous death of our young athletes who felt honoured representing their state at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State but couldn’t make it back home safely on account of that black day.

“They lost their lives in a monumental tragedy, but we will continue to remember them as patriots who died for the greater glory of Kano State.”

The statement quoted Ajuji Ahmed, NNPP national chairman, as expressing sympathy with the families of the victims and the government of Kano over the tragedy.

“The death of the young athletes was gruesome and disheartening and a major concern to all of us, not only in Kano State but also as a nation. It’s a national tragedy,” Ahmed said.

He asked that the athletes be immortalised, saying they were dedicated during the games.

“Their death should not be in vain as measures should be put in place to immortalise them as dedicated patriots of Kano State,” he said.

The party also condoled with the government and people of Niger state over the flood that killed over 200 people, displaced thousands, submerged houses and farmlands in the Mokwa area of the state.

The party asked relevant agencies to expedite rescue operations and provide relief materials to the victims.