ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic event that took the lives of several Nigerians at a football viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River State, Thursday night, a statement by Senior Media Aide, Garba Shehu, said on Friday.
The President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River State, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident.
He commends the State Government for the prompt action in setting up a commission of inquiry into the incident, and its offer of assistance to the victims and their families.
The President offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the mostly young victims, whose sudden demise is a big blow not only to their families, but also to the football-loving nation.
He prays that God Almighty will grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn their irreparable loss.
In the same vein, former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress Atiku Abubakar, in a press statement by his media office in Abuja on Friday, has expressed his condolences to the families and friends of all those killed in the unfortunate incident.
“No one deserves to die in this way, particularly in the pursuit of their passion,” Atiku says.
The former Vice President while observing that viewing centres are springing up in every nook and cranny of the country to satisfy the demands of millions of football and other sports’ fans, says it is imperative that the relevant authorities ensure that these centres meet basic requirements of safety to the lives of the clients.
He urges governments at all levels to partner with non-governmental organisations and even well-meaning individuals in setting up cultural centres in communities, especially the most vulnerable for the relaxation, comfort and entertainment of citizens of those localities.
The Turakin Adamawa calls on relevant authorities to investigate the tragedy that caused the death of these football enthusiasts to avert future occurrence.
Atiku Abubakar condoles with the bereaved families and the people and government of Cross River State and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.
