Gladness Gideon
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events that recently struck Kano and Niger states, describing the incidents as profound national losses that demand collective mourning and urgent action.
In a statement released Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, Governor Aliyu referred to the death of 22 Kano athletes in a road accident as a “national tragedy.” The athletes, who had participated in the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, died in a crash on their return journey to Kano on Sunday.
“Their sudden demise is both painful and deeply sorrowful,” the governor said.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings, grant them Aljannah Firdaus, and comfort their families, friends, and the good people of Kano.”
He extended condolences to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the entire Kano community, emphasizing that the loss is felt far beyond state borders.
“This loss is not just Kano’s—it is Nigeria’s. We mourn together,” he stated, urging affected families to remain steadfast in faith and view the tragedy as a divine test.
Aliyu also advocated for strengthened safety protocols for athletes and youth representing Nigeria to prevent future tragedies.
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In a separate condolence message, Governor Aliyu commiserated with the people and government of Niger State following devastating floods in Makwa Local Government Area. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the floods claimed multiple lives and destroyed homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure.
Speaking from Saudi Arabia, where he is currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage, Aliyu described the flood as “a deeply unfortunate calamity.”
“This is a shared tragedy. The pain felt in Makwa resonates across Sokoto and indeed the entire nation,” he said.
He highlighted the longstanding bonds between Sokoto and Niger States and urged residents of the affected communities to remain prayerful and resilient.
Governor Aliyu further called for robust disaster preparedness, improved infrastructure, and a more sustainable emergency response framework to mitigate the effects of future disasters.