Five young footballers tragically lost their lives in a road accident while traveling from the Ambursa area of Birnin Kebbi to participate in a friendly football match in Kebbi State. The accident occurred along Airport Road in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area when a Toyota Sienna carrying 18 people reportedly lost control and somersaulted.
Governor Idris Leads Rescue Efforts
The Kebbi State Government confirmed the incident, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the Ambursa community and the state. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Umar Dutsinmari, who visited the District Head of Ambursa on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, said the governor witnessed the crash and personally took part in rescue efforts. The governor immediately directed emergency measures to provide assistance to those injured in the accident.
Dutsinmari described the incident as a tragedy that affected not only the families of the victims but the entire Kebbi State. "This is a painful loss for the Ambursa community and the state," he said.
N20 Million Support for Victims' Families
To support the affected families, the commissioner presented N20 million to the families of the five deceased footballers, N1 million each to injured victims, and N2 million to other occupants of the vehicle on behalf of the governor. The gesture was aimed at alleviating the financial burden on the bereaved and injured.
Responding to the gesture, the District Head of Ambursa, Alhaji Isah Haruna Rasheed, thanked Governor Idris for his quick response and financial support to the victims. He expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention during what he described as a difficult moment for the community. "We are grateful for the governor's swift action and support," Rasheed said.
Broader Context of Road Accidents in Nigeria
This tragedy follows a similar incident in Kogi State, where 16 people died in a road accident on the Lokoja–Okene highway. That crash, which occurred around 9:20 am near Aku village, was attributed to driver fatigue and excessive speed. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and plunged under a bridge.
The Kebbi accident underscores the persistent issue of road safety in Nigeria, where many lives are lost annually due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and vehicle malfunctions. The deaths of these young footballers have sparked calls for improved road safety measures and emergency response systems.
