Kano tragedy, a crushing blow to the Nation – Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has described the deadly accident involving members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival as a “devastating national tragedy,” even as he ordered an immediate emergency response to the deadly flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.

Twenty-one Kano athletes returning from National Sports Festival (NSF), Ogun state, died in an auto crash in Kura Local Government Area, Kano, 50 kilometres away from Kano city.

Shocked by the loss of promising athletes and officials, the President said the accident had cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a unifying celebration of talent and national pride.

He extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kano State and the families of the victims.

“This is a crushing blow. These young Nigerians represented hope, dedication, and excellence. To lose them in such a manner is heartbreaking,” Tinubu stated.

He vowed that the federal government would take deliberate action to prevent future tragedies, promising an urgent review of transport safety measures nationwide.

In a separate development, Tinubu ordered the activation of a full-scale national emergency response following the deadly flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has claimed lives and displaced many families.

Expressing solidarity with the affected communities, Tinubu said: “We are mobilising all federal resources to support rescue and relief efforts. No Nigerian should face such hardship alone.”

He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been placed on high alert, with search-and-rescue operations underway, adding that relief materials and temporary shelters were being deployed, while security agencies had been tasked with supporting emergency operations on the ground.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government would continue to prioritise life, dignity, and recovery in the face of disaster.

He also urged citizens to remember the bereaved and displaced in their prayers.

“In moments of sorrow, we must draw strength from our unity and compassion. Together, we will overcome,” the President affirmed.