A dark cloud has fallen over the family of Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader of the Senate, following the heartbreaking loss of his son and a grandson within the space of two days.
The senator’s son, Victor Moro, reportedly died in a ghastly motor accident along the Mararaba axis of Nasarawa State on October 19—barely 24 hours after the burial of the senator’s grandson.
Victor, 28, had only recently returned to Nigeria from Turkey after completing his studies and was preparing to begin the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The tragedy was announced during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who broke the somber news to fellow lawmakers.
“Distinguished colleagues, our Minority Leader has lost two of his children within 48 hours,” Akpabio said in a subdued tone. “His son, who just graduated, died in a motor accident, while his grandson passed away under very tragic circumstances. Though he did not ask that we raise it, I believe we should stand in solidarity with him and his family.”
The Senate thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased, before senators resolved to visit Moro’s residence to commiserate with him.
President Bola Tinubu also joined in mourning the devastating loss. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the tragedy as “a painful and unimaginable blow,” urging the family to find solace in cherished memories of their departed loved ones.
“President Tinubu prays that God will receive the souls of the departed children and comfort the Moro family in this time of deep sorrow,” the statement read in part.
Former Senate President David Mark also expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, describing it as “a cruel reminder of life’s fragility.”
“The loss of a child is one of life’s heaviest burdens,” Mark said in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh. “My heart goes out to Senator Moro and his family. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant the departed eternal rest.”
For Senator Abba Moro, the last few days have been an unimaginable trial of faith and fortitude—one that has left his colleagues and the nation united in grief and compassion.