20 Kano Athletes Die in Tragic Road Accident Returning from Sports Festival

Tragic Auto Crash Kills 20 Kano State Athletes Returning from National Sports Festival

Kano, June 1, 2025 – At least 20 athletes from Kano State lost their lives in a tragic road accident on Saturday while returning home from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The bus carrying the athletes veered off the Chiromawa Bridge on the Kanoaria Expressway and plunged into a ravine, leaving several others injured.

Incident Details

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State confirmed the deaths and described the accident as a devastating blow to the state’s sports community. The bus reportedly lost control due to fatigue and excessive speed after a long overnight journey, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). At the time of the crash, over 30 passengers were on board.

The accident occurred near Dakatsalle town, about 50 kilometers from Kano city. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.

Victims and Response

Among the deceased were athletes, coaches, medical personnel, journalists, and sports administrators, including the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Sports Commission and a photojournalist attached to Express Radio.

Kano State has declared Monday a day of mourning. Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzu announced that families of the deceased would receive 1 million naira (approximately $630) along with food assistance.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, calling it a national tragedy. He extended condolences to the families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

National Sports Festival Context

The athletes were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, a biennial event that brings together competitors from Nigeria’s 36 states to compete in various sports, including traditional wrestling and wheelchair basketball. Kano State finished 13th on the medals table with 29 medals, including six gold.

President Bola Tinubu described the festival as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, strength, and resilience.

Road Safety Concerns

The FRSC highlighted poor road conditions and lax enforcement of traffic regulations as contributing factors to Nigeria’s high rate of road accidents. Last year, the corps reported over 5,400 fatalities from road crashes nationwide.