Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing condemnation of both federal and state governments for their continued failure to address critical safety and disaster management issues. His remarks come in the wake of two harrowing national tragedies—a fatal road accident that took the lives of 21 young athletes from Kano State, and catastrophic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which has now claimed over 150 lives.
In a deeply emotional statement released late last night, Atiku expressed profound sorrow over the recent events and urged immediate, coordinated government action to prevent further loss of life.
“I am heartbroken by the news of the tragic accident that took the lives of 21 athletes from Kano State who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” Atiku said. “These young men and women embodied the spirit of Nigeria—brimming with talent, discipline, and promise. Their untimely deaths are not only a personal loss to their families and the people of Kano, but a collective tragedy for the entire nation.”
Shifting focus to the worsening flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, Atiku noted that the death toll had surged dramatically from an initial 21 to over 150. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive flood prevention and management efforts, especially with the country approaching the peak of its rainy season.
“I’ve just received confirmation that the number of lives lost to the flooding in Mokwa has risen to more than 150,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with all the grieving families. But we cannot rely solely on condolences—we must act decisively to protect vulnerable communities from similar disasters. This is only the beginning of the rainy season, and more regions remain at high risk.”
Atiku didn’t mince words in pointing to what he described as “systemic failures in governance,” particularly in road safety enforcement and disaster preparedness infrastructure. He warned that without serious intervention, tragedies like these would only continue.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, we still lack the enforcement of basic road safety regulations and flood mitigation systems,” he stated. “Public safety must be prioritized. The lives lost in both incidents could have been saved through proactive governance, strategic planning, and swift response.”
He called on both the federal and state governments to implement and strictly enforce safety protocols on Nigerian roads, while also developing robust frameworks for managing and mitigating natural disasters.
“We cannot continue to mourn preventable deaths,” Atiku cautioned. “We need leadership that treats human lives with the urgency and respect they deserve. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
In closing, Atiku extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, the Kano State government, and the broader Nigerian sports community. He also made a broader appeal for unity and collective action in confronting Nigeria’s public safety and disaster management challenges.
“This is a time for national reflection and decisive steps,” he concluded. “We must come together to build a safer, more responsive nation.”
