By Femi Atolagbe

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter has expressed profound grief  to the Government of Kano State, the bereaved families, friends, and the entire sporting community in Kano over the heartbreaking loss of athletes involved in a fatal accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Akure, Ondo SWAN Chairman, Segun Giwa , described the incident which resulted in the death of 22 individuals including athletes, coaches, medical personnel, officials, and journalists as a devastating blow to the Nigerian sports fraternity.

We pray that God grant their families fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

May their journey home be peaceful, and may their families find solace in the knowledge that they were cherished.”

Meanwhile, Ondo State Sports Council (OSSC) also expressed their sympathy to the Kano State Government, football fraternity over the ugly incident.

According to a statement issued and signed by the General Manager of the state Sports Council,Mr Sunday Fagite,

“With heavy hearts but in total submission to Almighty God, we the management and the entire Staff of Ondo State Sports Council commiserate with the Kano State Government, the Kano State Sports Commission and the entire family of  those who lost their lives at the unfortunate accident.

“At this point, we are short of words but we found solace in God while we align with others, most especially the Participants at the Just concluded National Sports Festival to mourn with you.

May the good Lord grant the families the fortitude to bear the lost. Eternal rest grant them oh Lord.”