KANO DECLARES MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MOURN 22 ATHLETES KILLED IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT

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Agency report

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday in honor of the 22 Kano athletes who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from Ogun State.

The athletes had participated in the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta when the fatal crash occurred during their journey back.

The governor made the announcement while on pilgrimage for the 2025 Hajj, through a statement released by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

He directed that “Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathise with the families of the victims”.

“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 statement stated.

“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.”

The State Government also called on Imams and Muslims across the state and beyond to offer prayers for the souls of the 22 deceased athletes and for their families to find strength and comfort during this time of grief.

As part of its support efforts, the government earlier announced a cash donation of ₦1 million to each of the families of the athletes and officials who tragically died in the accident.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, after receiving a briefing from sports officials regarding the incident.

In addition to the financial assistance, the government pledged to provide food items to the bereaved families to help with burial arrangements, in accordance with cultural and religious customs.

Deputy Governor Abdulsalam expressed the government’s profound sorrow over the tragedy and extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims. He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to standing by them throughout this difficult period.

Recall that the accident was said to have occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Dakstalle town, located in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.

Eyewitnesses stated that the vehicle, which was carrying approximately 35 passengers—mainly athletes and officials—plunged off a bridge, resulting in a fatal crash.

It was identified as the last in a convoy of eight vehicles transporting the Kano contingent.

The Kano team had just concluded their participation in the National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport event aimed at fostering peace and cultural unity in Nigeria.

This edition, dubbed the “Gateway Games,” was hosted by Ogun State and featured athletes from across the country competing in various disciplines.