Kano declares public holiday to mourn 22 athletes killed in tragic road accident

In a solemn gesture of mourning, the Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday to honour the memory of 22 young athletes who tragically lost their lives in a devastating road accident on their way back from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on the Chiromawa Bridge along the Kano-Zaria expressway, where the bus conveying the athletes reportedly lost control and veered off the road, resulting in the fatal crash.

Preliminary investigations suggest that driver fatigue and mechanical failure may have contributed to the accident, though authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the exact cause as investigations continue.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, addressing the state in an emotional statement, described the loss as a “dark moment” in the history of Kano and expressed profound grief on behalf of the people of the state.

In immediate response to the tragedy, Governor Yusuf announced a support package of ₦1 million for each of the bereaved families, in addition to food items and other forms of relief.

He also assured the public that the state government will bear the full cost of medical treatment for the injured athletes, some of whom remain in critical condition at various hospitals within Kano metropolis.

A special prayer session was held at the Government House on Sunday night, attended by families of the deceased, government officials, clerics, and members of the sports community, all united in sorrow.

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Flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast throughout the state as a mark of profound respect for the departed souls.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, including from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which described the accident as a national tragedy and commended the Kano State Government for its swift and compassionate response.

The National Sports Festival, often dubbed Nigeria’s “Olympics,” is the country’s largest multi-sport event for athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The athletes from Kano had reportedly completed a successful showing before embarking on the ill-fated return journey.

As investigations continue and the state mourns, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the safety standards of interstate transportation, especially for state-sponsored events, to prevent future tragedies.

He concluded with a heartfelt call for unity and prayers, urging the resilient people of Kano to remain strong in this period of deep sorrow.