Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed shock over the death of football fans through electrocution at a viewing centre in Calabar, the Cross River State capital and described the incident as tragic.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, commiserated with the immediate families of the victims, the government and people of Cross River State and football enthusiasts across the country over the sad incident.
While calling on local and state government authorities to ensure that football viewing centers and other public spaces are made safe and conducive across the country, he urged the Cross River State government to ensure that the recommendations of its Commission of Inquiry empaneled to investigate is not only made public but implemented to prevent a repeat occurrence.
He commended the prompt response of the Cross River State government and other relevant emergency agencies to the sad occurrence while praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, and quick recovery for the injured.
“This is clearly an unfortunate and avoidable loss of precious young Nigerians. As a government, we have a duty to ensure that our citizens are safe and protected, whether during leisure hour or work period. We must ensure that what is necessary to make our people secured in both public and private spaces is given the deserved priority at all times,” he said.
Also, the Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung has sympathized with the government and people of Cross River state over the death of dozens of youths who were electrocuted while watching a football game at a viewing center in Calabar.
About 30 youths reportedly lost their lives Thursday night during a UEFA Europa league quarter final game between Manchester United and Anderlecht after a high tension electricity cable snapped and fell on them.
Dalung described the incident as horrific and a sad period for the state and football loving Nigerians.
“It is quite unfortunate that such a gory incident took place where youths usually gather to watch football. We all know the unifying strength of sports especially football irrespective of who is playing the game.
“We in the Ministry of Youth and Sports commiserate with the government of Cross River state , especially the families of the dead on this colossal loss of young people. We pray that we never witness such occurrence again and for the repose of the souls of the dead. May God almighty console you at this time of grief,” Dalung said.
