President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent commiserations as Nigeria mourns the tragic loss of about 20 members of the Kano State delegation in an accident close to their final destination.
Tragedy struck on Friday when the Kano State delegation were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and some 20 members of the team perished in a fatal road accident.
The incident occurred on Friday night at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, when a vehicle conveying 35 passengers, including athletes, journalists, medical staff, and sports administrators, plunged off a bridge while approaching their destination.
A survivor, Ado Salisu Gama, speaking from the Kura General Hospital, recounted the horrifying scene.
“Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle Bridge, just before Kura. The driver is also dead. As I speak to you, one more member has just died,” he said.
According to Gama, the injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Kura General Hospital, while anxious family members and well-wishers have gathered at the facility awaiting news of their loved ones.
The Kano State delegation had reportedly returned home after securing a total of 29 medals at the festival.
Among those feared dead in the accident are athletes, media personnel covering the games, medical officials, and key team administrators.
Tinubu Mourns Kano Contingent Involved in Tragic Accident, Orders Emergency Response to Morkwa Flood Disaster
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PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU MOURNS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received with deep sorrow the tragic news of an accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident.
“This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” the President said.
President Tinubu paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.
He affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.
FESTIVAL HOST GOV ABIODUN: I’M TRAUMATISED BY DEATH OF 20 KANO ATHLETES
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State expressed deep sorrow following the death of 20 athletes from Kano State in a road crash while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival hosted by his state.
In his reaction in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply distressing: “These were vibrant young athletes, full of life and dreams, who had proudly represented Kano State at the Gateway Games 2024. They were returning to their loved ones with joy, only to have their lives tragically cut short just before they reached home.”
He extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“It is indeed saddening and painful that 20 gallant athletes who represented Kano at the just-concluded National Sports Festival have died in the most devastating circumstances. These budding stars had so much to offer the country with their talents and creativity,” he said.
Abiodun also empathised with the families and friends of the deceased athletes, noting that their loss was not just personal, but national.
“In particular, it is tragic that their families, who had been eagerly awaiting their return, will now have to live with the painful void of their absence. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this terrible hour,” he added.
He also commiserated with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, his cabinet, and the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, describing the loss as one that has shaken the entire nation.
“Having represented their state with pride and made friendships across Nigeria, these athletes are national heroes whose patriotism and commitment will not be forgotten. May Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest and may we never witness such a tragedy again,” the statement said
NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION EXPRESSES SHOCK
Both the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, have expressed sadness over the tragic road accident involving members of the Kano State contingent returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
Director of Press, National Sports Commission, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, confirmed that one of the state’s buses, conveying athletes, officials, and journalists, was involved in a fatal crash around Dakatsalle town, approximately 50 kilometres from Kano.
“The heartbreaking incident has claimed the lives of 19 persons, with several others sustaining injuries and currently receiving treatment. This is a painful moment for the entire Nigerian sports family.”
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, described the day as “a very sad day for Nigerian sports.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Kano State at this sad time. Just as we were celebrating a successful and peaceful National Sports Festival, this tragedy has cast a dark shadow. We stand in solidarity with the Kano State Government and will support them in every possible way as they navigate this difficult period.
“On behalf of the Commission and the Nigerian sporting community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Kano State, and everyone affected by this devastating loss. We pray for the quick recovery of the injured and healing for all who mourn.
Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, also expressed his grief and solidarity, saying,”only days ago, we gathered in Abeokuta to celebrate the talents and resilience of Nigerian youth through sport. This news is not only devastating—it is deeply personal for those of us in the sports community. Kano State has long been a pillar in Nigerian sports, and this loss has dealt a heavy blow.”
“While the transportation arrangements for state contingents remain under the jurisdiction of individual state sports councils, this incident underscores the urgent need for a coordinated national framework for safety and welfare.
“In line with its commitment to safeguarding athletes and officials, the National Sports Commission has made it mandatory for all contingents to have comprehensive insurance coverage, and for all vehicles used for official movement during the Sports Festival to be mechanically certified and fully insured. This requirement has been reiterated to all participating states and will be strictly enforced going forward.
To this end:
*The Commission will convene a post-Games safety roundtable with all State Sports Commissions to review travel protocols and share safety best practices.
• A compliance audit will be conducted ahead of subsequent festivals to ensure that all contingents meet the minimum safety, insurance, and welfare requirements.
• Stronger monitoring mechanisms will be deployed during national events to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Ajayi said the National Sports Commission is already in communication with the Kano State Government and will continue to work closely with them in response to this tragedy.
“This incident must not be in vain. It must compel us all—federal and state authorities alike—to strengthen the systems that protect those who give their strength and spirit to represent our nation in sport,” she added. “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may their memory be a lasting call to responsibility.”
