In a heartfelt gesture of compassion and responsibility, the Kano State Government has announced a donation of N1 million each to the families of the 22 athletes and officials who tragically lost their lives in a devastating road accident while returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, during a solemn briefing with sports officials and stakeholders. Describing the loss as a “deep wound in the soul of the state,” Abdulsalam conveyed the government’s deep sorrow and unwavering commitment to supporting the bereaved families during this profoundly difficult period.
In addition to the monetary compensation, the state government pledged to provide essential food items and logistical support to assist families in arranging the immediate burial rites, in accordance with Islamic and cultural customs.
> “These were young men and women who carried the pride of Kano on their shoulders. They died while serving their state. We owe them a debt of honour,” Abdulsalam stated, his voice heavy with emotion.
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Dakstalle town, within Kura Local Government Area, approximately 50 kilometers from Kano city. According to eyewitnesses, the bus, which was the last of an eight-vehicle convoy, veered off a narrow bridge and plunged into a ravine, resulting in a catastrophic crash.
The bus was carrying about 35 passengers, mainly made up of athletes, journalists, health workers, and sports administrators. The impact claimed 22 lives, leaving the remaining passengers with varying degrees of injuries. Survivors were immediately rushed to Kura General Hospital, where emergency treatment was administered.
A fellow athlete and contingent member, Ado Salisu, recounted the horror:
> “We were all tired from the long journey. Most of us were asleep when we heard the crashing sound. Then we realized the last bus was no longer behind us. It was a nightmare.”
The deceased had just represented Kano State at the National Sports Festival, a prestigious biennial multi-sport event aimed at fostering unity, peace, and inter-cultural collaboration across Nigeria. Dubbed the “Gateway Games,” the 2025 edition took place in Ogun State and featured intense competition among thousands of athletes from all 36 states and the FCT.
For Kano, the journey was one of pride and passion—until tragedy struck.
Among those confirmed dead were not only athletes, but also journalists who chronicled their stories, doctors who attended to them, and administrators who managed their logistics—a collective loss that has plunged the Kano sporting community into mourning.
The tragedy has reignited calls for enhanced safety measures for state contingents traveling long distances. Many have questioned the practice of overnight return trips, poor road infrastructure, and the state of the vehicles often used for such journeys.
While the immediate concern is providing solace and support to the families of the fallen, stakeholders are urging the government to launch a full-scale investigation into the accident and consider structural reforms to ensure such calamities are never repeated.
As preparations are underway for the burial and formal tributes, the Kano State Government has assured that the legacies of these athletes and officials will not be forgotten. Discussions are reportedly in motion to immortalize the deceased through a state monument or a dedicated annual sports memorial event in their honour.
> “They died in the line of duty. We must make sure their sacrifice translates into a safer, more dignified future for our athletes,” a senior sports official remarked.
For now, Kano mourns. And as the nation joins in this moment of collective grief, the lives lost on that fateful road will be remembered—not just for how they died, but for what they lived and stood for: excellence, service, and unity through sports.
PIONEER NEWS 