Tinubu Condoles Morocco King As Earthquake Kills Over 800

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following Saturday’s devastating earthquake in his homeland, which has claimed close to 800 lives.

In a statement signed by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Saturday, he commiserated with all families who lost loved ones and all those otherwise affected by this tragedy, while wishing a full and swift recovery to those who were injured.

President Tinubu assured the government and people of Morocco that the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with them during this difficult moment of tragedy.

“In the face of this adversity, Nigeria will continue to stand in solidarity with Morocco as they recover, rebuild and come out stronger than ever from this unfortunate event,” the President assured.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit Morocco on Friday night killing at least 820 people, injuring more than 670, damaging ancient buildings, and sending terrified residents fleeing their homes into the streets for safety.

Morocco’s state television reported the death toll on Saturday, citing the Ministry of Interior. Of those injured, 205 were in critical condition.

The temblor hit shortly after 11 pm local time (same time in Nigeria) on Friday evening, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS estimated the epicentre occurred in the Atlas Mountains, some 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the country.

Other leaders including President Joe Biden of the US and Xi Jinping of China have all sent their condolences.

Comoros President and current African Union (AU) chairman, Mr Azali Assoumani expressed his “solidarity” and offered his condolences over the “powerful earthquake that rocked the centre of Morocco”.

On his part, the head of the African Union Commission has expressed “great pain” over the devastating earthquake in Morocco which has killed more than 800 people.

“I learnt with great sadness of the tragic consequences of the earthquake that hit the kingdom of Morocco,” Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat said, expressing his “sincere condolences” to the king, the Moroccan people and the families of the victims.