Dark Moment for Kano: Observes Public Holiday to Honor Deceased Athletes

By Friday Obande

Kano State government observed Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn the death of 22 athletes and officials who died in a bus accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. The accident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, along the Kano-Zaria expressway, specifically at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, where the bus flipped off the bridge, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Governor Abba Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased athletes through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. The governor assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home,” the governor said. “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.”

The state government has pledged to provide support to the affected families, including a cash donation of N1 million to each family of the deceased and food items to assist with burial arrangements. The government also urged Islamic clerics and the Muslim community to offer special prayers for the victims and their families.

The athletes were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, held in Ogun from May 18 to 30, where Kano finished 13th on the medals table with 29 medals, including six gold. The festival aimed to promote peace and cross-cultural understanding in Nigeria.