Kano tragedy: Nigerian sports journalists ask Kano government to investigate cause of deaths. Gov Abba declares Monday public holiday to mourn athletes
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Nigerian sports journalists under the aegis of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has urged Kano state government to investigate the root cause of the death of 22 members of the state contingent, who were returning home from the National Sports Festival, NSF held Abeokuta , Ogun state.
The umbrella body of sports writers on Saturday had joined millions of Kano populace in mourning the demise of some members of the state contingent , who last Saturday at about 9 am died in an auto accident , which occurred at Dakastalle town 50 kilometers to the heart of the ancient city.
The SWAN national president, Benjamin Isaiah who led a delegation of sports journalists on a visit to Kano state government, speaking after condoling the state deputy governor, comrade Aminu Abdulsalaam Gwarzo at the state government house, said Kano has loss an promising generation of future athletes, coaches and sports administrators.
He said “ we are in Kano to condole with the good people of Kano, indeed this is a national tragedy, this are trying moments, we give thanks to God in everything, we can not question the supreme will of the almighty God in the affairs of man.”
He said however there is the need to investigate the cause of the tragic incident to forestall future reoccurrence.
Benjamin expressed dismay over how Nigerian athletes are subjected to travel under inhumane conditions, he said “ many athlete are made to travel in rickety vehicles, same vehicles that they as public office holders and their wards can not travel in them, even within the city where they lived.
“This can not continue, these national heroes and future leaders travel at night at the risk of their lives, the way and manner we convey our athletes to attend sports events be it national, inter state and even local sports event is unacceptable and we can not continue this way.”
“we as sports journalists will now move to champion a crusade calling for an total revamp of the unacceptable sports transportation methods and system in Nigeria.”
Kano state governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf has declared Monday June 2nd as public holiday to mourn the athletes and officials who loss their lives in the ugly incidence.
The governor, who is in far away Saudi Arabia for the Holly Hajj lamented that Kano state has loss young and promising athletes and officials.
The statement issued by the spokesman to the governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa assured the families of the victims that the state government would stand with them throughout their moments of grief.
He then urged the people of Kano to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased persons.
