In a statement released on Sunday, Oguntoyinbo, an NNPP Southwest chieftain, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and underscored the critical need for immediate infrastructural improvements to avert similar catastrophes in the future.
“It is indeed distressing that 20 athletes who represented Kano State at the Gateway 2024 Games have lost their lives in such painful and avoidable circumstances,” Ajadi stated, lamenting the timing of the tragedy just days before the Eid-el-Kabir festival. He highlighted that these young athletes, full of promise, were returning home with immense pride after competing on a national stage.
“These were budding stars with so much to offer their state and country through their talent and creativity,” he added, emphasizing the profound loss to both their families and the nation.
Oguntoyinbo extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, describing the loss as one that resonates deeply with all parents and citizens. “It is tragic that their loved ones, who eagerly awaited their return, will never see their faces again. My prayers and thoughts are with their families at this terrible time,” he conveyed.
He also conveyed his sympathies to Governor Abba Yusuf and the entire populace of Kano State, praying for strength and comfort during this period of immense grief.
In a strong call to action, Ajadi urged both state and federal governments to swiftly prioritize and implement measures to improve road conditions across the country. “I call on all levels of government to prioritize road infrastructure. These deaths were avoidable, and we must act now to prevent further tragedies on our roads,” he concluded, stressing the urgency of addressing the nation's crumbling road networks to safeguard lives.