Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, has consoled with the people of Calabar, Cross River State on the event that took the lives of several Nigerians at a football viewing centre on Thursday night.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said the President was shocked and saddened when he learnt of the unfortunate event.
Over 30 football fans in Calabar, Cross River state’s capital reportedly died after a high tension cable fell on them at a football viewing centre while watching the Uefa Europa League match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.
According to the statement, the President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River State, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident.
The President also 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 prayed that God Almighty will grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn their irreparable loss.
Also, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has expressed sadness over the death of some football fans in Calabar, who were electrocuted while watching Europa League quarter-finals game.
Thirty fans were confirmed dead and many injured as an electric cable from a high tension installation fell on the viewing centre where they were watching the match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.
“FIFA is deeply saddened by the deaths of several football fans in Calabar and offer our deepest condolences to family and friends of the victims,” the world football body wrote on its Twitter handle.
Manchester United has also commiserated with the families of the dead fans.
United joined in the grieving of the 30 fans that died in Calabar while watching Manchester United clash with Belgian outfit Anderlecht on Thursday night.
According to reports, about 30 football fans in Calabar kicked the bucket after a high-pressure cable fell on the roof of the viewing centre.
Manchester United on Friday tweeted: Our musings go out to the United fans, their loved ones influenced by the disaster in Calabar, Nigeria.
United won the game 2-1 and qualified for the semi-finals of the competition.
United will face Spanish side, Celta Vigo, in the semi-finals, while Ajax of Netherlands will meet Lyon of France.
Anthony Nlebem with agency reports
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