By Victor Okoye
Abuja, June 3, 2025 (NAN) The Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has expressed his deepest condolences over the Auto Crash involving Kano State Sports Contingent that were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
A press statement issued on Monday June 2, 2025 in Abuja and made available to Journalists quoted Gombe as saying,”I would like to use this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the Kano State Sports Contingent that lost their lives while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
“This tragic incident calls for national mourning not only for Kano State. However, I would also like to extend my heartfelt condolences the people and government of Kano State a place where I served as special adviser to the former Governor of Kano State. Aminu Gwankwaso.
“I know many of the athletes we lost in the tragic incident. It took me this long to issue this statement because I was speechless and in tears.
“However, we came from God and to Him we would return.God may have decreed they would never pass the bridge.That’s one thing we would understand and from what I know, , that bridge has been notorious in claiming lives over the years.
“Accidents on that bridge have been so mysterious.Two drivers attached to the ill feted bus died . The bridge was well constructed with good pavements, I can’t understand the bus skidding off the bridge to plunge under.
“This is what I can’t explain and no one can. Only God himself. We take it as it is.
“Again, on behalf of Gombe Athletics Association, Gombe Athletics Academy and Chairman CEO, Green White Green Sports Center Ltd, I the Chairman, Proprietor and Chief Executive Officer wish to extend my condolences to the departed,” he said.
Gombe also called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to postpone its forth coming election as a mark of respect for the 22 young lives that were lost in the unfortunate accident.
“Sadly, I don’t think this is the appropriate time for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to hold an election, a period of National mourning?
“If the elections were postponed owing to the National Sports Festival, is it not cogent and proper to shift the election further after 22 lives perished?
“It is curious that some insensitive individuals are still thinking about elections which is illegal.
“Since the AFN is myopic not to shift the elections, The National Sports Commission should intervene again in postponing the election during this time of national mourning,” Gombe said.(NAN)
