Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has blamed the Federal and state Governments for the death of 21 Kano State athletes in a fatal accident last weekend.
He also pointed accusing fingers at the governments for the devastating flood that claimed the lives of 150 people in Niger State last week.
20 athletes who were part of Kano State contingent to the just concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State died when their bus fell from the bridge in Kano last Saturday.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday night, Atiku said the failure of governments at all levels to address recurring safety and disaster management issues led to the two tragedies which caused the deaths of the innocent people.
Atiku who expressed his heartbreak over the double tragedies, called for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives while emphasizing the need for improved road safety measures as well as proactive flood management strategies, especially as Nigeria enters the peak of the rainy season.
He wrote;
“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
“These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise.
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“Their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families and the people of Kano but to the entire country.
“It is imperative that we put in place and enforce safety measures to stem accidents and prevent loss of lives. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Government, and Nigeria’s sporting community.
‘May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
In another post on the flood disaster that occured in Mokwa, Niger State, the former vice president also said:
“I have just been updated that the death toll from the tragic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, has jumped from 21 to over 100.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.
“Meanwhile, we must proactively plan how to avert further loss of lives in other areas of our country prone to flooding, especially as we are still in the early days of the rainy season.”
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