President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness at the death of football fans at a football viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River State, Thursday night.
The fans perished when a high tension wire fell on the viewing center while watching a match between Manchester United and Andrelecht.
Unofficial estimate put the number of the dead at 30, but the Police in Calabar said seven died, while 10 were injured.
The President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River State, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident, according to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
He commended the State Government for the prompt action in setting up a commission of inquiry into the incident, and its offer of assistance to the victims and their families.
“The President 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.
“He prays that God Almighty will grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn their irreparable loss,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is reporting that Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has described as tragic and horrifying, the loss of the lives.
The governor said this in a statement issued by Mr Christian Ita, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary in Calabar on Friday.
Ayade also said it was heart wrenching that the lives of the young men were lost through electrocution.
“The incident marks a dark chapter in the life of the state where the precious lives of football lovers have been lost.
“At this point in time, it is sad to know that the victims lost their lives at a viewing centre where they usually converge, at their leisure time to watch their matches’’, Ayade said.
While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the governor promised that the state government would look into the likely cause of the incident to prevent reoccurrence.
The incident happened at about 9.30 p.m at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of the state.
