Kano mourns as 22 athletes returning from National Sports Festival die in accident

Kano State is presently in mourning as twenty-two athletes who participated at the just concluded National Sports Festival are feared dead in an accident.

The state contingent returning were returning home from the National Sports Festival.

The crash occurred on Saturday at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area. 

Umar Faggie, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the incident, saying the athletes were traveling in a bus belonging to the commission when it reportedly veered off the bridge.

Survivors have been rushed to Kura General Hospital for urgent medical care, though the exact number of injured remains undisclosed as rescue efforts continue, but at 22 may have died.

Eminent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, expressed grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, Atiku described the victims as “the very best of our nation—dedicated, talented, and full of promise.”

He extended condolences to the families, Kano State, and Nigeria’s sports community, while calling for stricter safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. 

“I am heartbroken by the news of this tragic accident,” Atiku wrote. “Their untimely passing is a profound loss to the entire country. We must enforce better safety protocols to save lives.” 

Kano State had finished 13th at the Gateway Games in Abeokuta, securing 29 medals, including six golds. The nation now mourns the promising athletes whose lives were cut short.