Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Friday, expressed shock over the death of football fans through electrocution at a viewing centre in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Saraki described the incident as tragic and avoidable in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu.
About seven people were said to have died on Thursday night while watching a football match between Manchester United and Anderlecht in a return leg of the Europa League quarterfinal match, while 11 others were said to be critically injured.
Saraki said, “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 secure in both public and private spaces is given the deserved priority at all times.”
The Senate President commiserated with the families of the victims, the government and people of Cross River State and football enthusiasts across the country over the incident.
While calling on local and state government authorities to ensure that football viewing centres and other public spaces are made safe and conducive, Saraki urged the Cross River State Government to ensure that the recommendations of its commission of inquiry mandated to investigate the incident were not only made public but implemented to prevent a reoccurrence.
Saraki commended the prompt response of the state government and emergency agencies, while praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and quick recovery of the injured. – Punch.
