Buhari mourns death of football fans in Calabar

Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday mourned the deaths of some football fans at a viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday.

Buhari, in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, commiserated with the government and people of the state, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident.

According to the statement, the president also lauded the state government for its swift response to the tragedy for setting up a commission of inquiry into the incident, and its offer of assistance to the victims and their families.

“The president, Shehu said “offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the mostly young victims, whose sudden demise is a big blow not only to their families, but also to the football-loving nation.”

The victims were electrocuted on Thursday at a viewing centre while watching the Europa League match between Manchester United and Anderlecht when an electricity cable fell on the make-shift house.

Buhari “prays that God Almighty will grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn their irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.