Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday mourned the the victims of a road accident in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
On Wednesday, some young graduates from the Borno State University lost their lives in the tragic accident while many others were injured.
Shettima in a condolence message by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, regretted that a moment of achievement and joy that should have marked a significant milestone in these young students’ lives had turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
“The loss of these bright, young lives is not just a loss for their families but a loss for Borno State and our nation,” he said.
“These graduates embodied hope, promise, and aspirations of a brighter future. Their untimely departure leaves an irreplaceable void.”
The vice president also assured the students’ families of the government’s support, pledging that President Bola Tinubu’s administration “cannot let such incidents continue to rob us of our brightest and best.
“We stand with you during this difficult time. The government will extend all possible support to ease your burden and honour the memory of these exceptional young individuals.”
He prayed that the Almighty Allah grant the souls of the departed eternal rest, and grant strength to their families to bear this great loss.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum condoled with the Borno State University community as well as parents and guardians of students affected by the tragic motor accident along Maiduguri-Damaturu road.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to families of the affected students, the management, staff, and students of Borno State University over this unfortunate incident,” Governor Zulum said.
“I am deeply touched by this tragic accident involving a students’ bus and a trailer, which occurred as the students were returning after completing their examinations.”
In response to the incident, Governor Zulum has directed the Ministry of Works to expedite the completion of the ongoing Maiduguri Trailer Park project.
He also announced that the state government will soon enforce a ban on trailers and other heavy vehicles from accessing the city center to minimize future accidents.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Works to ensure the immediate completion of the trailer park. Once operational, trailers will no longer be permitted into the city centre, a move aimed at reducing intra-city road accidents within the metropolis,” the governor reiterated.