The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, on Tuesday paid a condolence visit to the families of 22 Kano athletes who lost their lives in a tragic motor accident on Saturday. The incident occurred in Dakatsalle town, a few kilometres from Kano metropolis, as the athletes were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Atta; the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Faruk Lawan; his Chief of Staff, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullah; APC chieftains; religious leaders; and business leaders, Senator Barau offered condolences and provided financial support to the bereaved families.
Speaking at the Gwagwarwa Juma’a Mosque in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Senator Barau expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, describing it as a blow not only to the immediate families and the sports community but also to Kano State and the entire country. He announced a donation of N1 million to each of the 22 families, totalling N22 million, to support them in this difficult time.
“We are here to register our heartfelt condolences to you over this tragic and devastating incident that led to the loss of our brothers,” Senator Barau said. “We accept it as the will of Allah. May Allah grant them Aljannatul Firdausi and give you all the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”
The Deputy President of the Senate was received by the Chief Imam of the Gwagwarwa Juma’a Mosque, Sheikh Adda’u Aliyu, as well as the ward heads of Gwagwarwa and Gama, Usman Aliyu and Rabe Isyaku, respectively.
In his remarks on behalf of the community, Sheikh Adda’u Aliyu thanked Senator Barau for his visit and his generous donation, noting that it would go a long way in supporting the affected families. “Your presence and support mean a lot to us,” he said. “We see your tremendous interventions beyond your Senatorial District, and we pray Almighty Allah rewards you abundantly.”
The visit concluded with special prayers for the repose of the souls of the late athletes.
