A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has described the deaths of 22 Kano State athletes as an avoidable tragedy, blaming the incident on the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads.

The athletes were among over 30 team members traveling in a vehicle that plunged off a bridge around Dakatsalle. The victims were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State, with many having already announced their arrival to family and friends via phone calls.

"It is distressing that 20 promising young athletes who represented Kano State at the Gateway 2024 Games lost their lives in such avoidable circumstances," Ajadi said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The NNPP Southwest chieftain described the incident as heartbreaking, occurring just days before the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He called on governments at all levels to urgently address issues of road safety and infrastructure across the country.

"These were bright, talented individuals with great potential to serve their state and country," Ajadi noted, emphasizing the significant loss to both Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

The politician expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, "It's a loss that strikes every mother and father and indeed every citizen."

He concluded his statement with prayers for the deceased: "May the souls of these children be in peace and eternal rest."

The tragic accident has sparked renewed concerns about the state of transportation infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly as it relates to the safety of travelers on interstate journeys.