The Kano State government has declared today a public holiday to honor the memory of 22 athletes who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on Saturday. The athletes died near Kuri, approximately 50 kilometers from Kano, while returning from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they had represented the state at the 22nd National Sports Festival. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through a statement signed by his Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” the statement read.
He described the accident as a dark day for the state, stating, “It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.”
He continued, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”
Governor Yusuf also declared today a public holiday to express solidarity with the bereaved families, urging calm and unity during this difficult period. He assured that the government would provide support to the families and survivors.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, sent a delegation yesterday to Kano to express condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun also announced a donation of N1 million to each bereaved family, totaling N31 million, as initial support. The delegation, led by Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, also included Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Sports Development Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Gateway Games Ogun 2024, Dr. Kweku Tandoh.
The delegation arrived in Kano at around 9 a.m. and was received by Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, and other state officials.
Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele conveyed Governor Abiodun’s deep personal grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the government and people of Kano State.
In response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo thanked the Ogun State delegation for their visit and acknowledged Governor Abiodun’s heartfelt concern.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the crash to driver fatigue and speeding. FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed this in a statement released by Corps Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide on Saturday in Abuja.
The statement indicated that the coaster bus, registered as KN 041 A17 and owned by the Kano State Government, carried 24 occupants: 23 males and one female. Twenty-one males died on the spot, while three survivors, two males and one female, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.
“Preliminary investigations suggest driver fatigue and speeding were the primary causes, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced and risks are heightened,” Mohammed said.