By Dipo Olowookere
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness over the death of several football fans in Calabar, Cross River State yesterday while watching a match at a viewing centre.
Mr Buhari, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said he was not happy “to learn of the tragic event that took the lives of several Nigerians” at the football viewing centre on Thursday night.
“The President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River State, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident,” the statement said.
It said further that “President Buhari commends 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.”
Mr Shehu stated that, “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 concludes.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya