The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, as a public holiday to honour the memory of 22 young athletes who tragically lost their lives in a fatal motor accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The victims, who were part of the state’s sports contingent, including athletes, coaches, and officials, were involved in a devastating crash at Chiromawa Bridge along the Kano-Kaduna-Zaria Expressway in Bebeji Local Government Area.
Several others sustained serious injuries in the incident, which occurred on Saturday.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, described the tragedy as “a dark moment for the entire state,” expressing his profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor declared the public holiday to allow citizens time to mourn, pray for the deceased, and stand in solidarity with the affected families.
“We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the Governor said.
The Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, representing the Governor, led a high-powered delegation to deliver condolences in person.
He visited the Nasarawa Specialist Hospital, where the remains of the deceased were kept, and also checked on the injured at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor announced a support package of one million naira on behalf of Governor Yusuf
Moved to tears during the visit, Gwarzo emphasised that the state government views the tragic accident as a collective loss and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the victims’ families both now and in the future.
He also stressed the urgent need for stronger road safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Kano’s religious leaders and residents have been urged to offer prayers for the deceased, with special supplications expected across mosques in and outside the state during Monday’s public holiday.
Ogun State
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has donated a total of ₦31 million to the families of 22 Kano State athletes and officials who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” held in Abeokuta.
The accident occurred as the Kano contingent was making its way back from the festival, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuries to several others.
A delegation from Ogun State, led by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, visited Kano on Sunday to deliver the donation and convey the governor’s condolences.
Other members of the delegation included Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, Sports Commissioner Wasiu Isiaka, and Executive Secretary of the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Kweku Tandoh.
During the visit, the deputy governor described the donation as a symbol of Governor Abiodun’s compassion and solidarity with the grieving families and the people of Kano State.
She also commended emergency responders for their prompt actions during the incident and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured survivors.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Kano State government, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo expressed deep gratitude for the support.
He noted that Governor Abiodun had earlier reached out personally to extend his condolences.