By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has blamed the death of 22 athletes from Kano State on the deplorable condition of roads across Nigeria.
The victims were among over 30 people returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State when their vehicle plunged off a bridge near Dakatsalle in Kano State. The athletes had just concluded their participation in the national event and were reportedly in high spirits, with some already contacting their families upon arrival.
Oguntoyinbo, in a statement issued on Sunday, described the incident as heartbreaking and entirely avoidable. He urged federal and state governments to urgently prioritize road infrastructure and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is a national tragedy that 22 young and promising athletes who represented Kano State at the Gateway 2024 Games lost their lives because of bad roads,” he said.
The NNPP leader extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the loss a blow to the entire nation.
“These were talented individuals with potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sporting future. Their deaths are not just a loss to their families, but to the country,” he added.
The accident comes just days before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, adding to the sorrow felt by grieving relatives and the Kano community.
