A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of 21 individuals comprising athletes, sports officials, and journalists from Kano State following their return journey from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday along the Kaduna-Kano Expressway, specifically near the Gadar Yankifi axis. The victims were passengers in a Kano State Government-owned Coaster bus, bearing registration number KN 041 A17. The vehicle, reportedly carrying 24 individuals, veered off the road in what officials have described as a lone crash likely caused by fatigue and speeding.
FRSC Confirms 21 Fatalities
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 21 passengers, all male adults, died on the spot. According to a statement by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, three others two men and one woman sustained serious injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care.
Ogungbemide explained, “The vehicle, which belonged to the Kano State Government, was carrying 24 occupants when the crash occurred. Unfortunately, 21 died at the scene, while three survivors are currently receiving treatment.”
Victims Included Prominent Sports Figures
Among the deceased were several athletes, coaches, match officials, and support staff who had represented Kano State in various sporting disciplines such as wrestling and kickboxing. The tragic incident also claimed the lives of media professionals and sports association secretaries. One of the victims, Imam Umar Fagge, was a football referee and the younger brother of the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge.
FRSC Boss and President Tinubu React
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and underscored the critical need for greater compliance with road safety regulations.
“This heartbreaking crash appears to be the result of fatigue and excessive speed, particularly during a prolonged night journey,” he said. “Fleet operators must implement mandatory rest schedules for drivers and avoid night travel, when visibility is compromised and reaction times are impaired.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a national loss. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “a devastating blow” not just to Kano State but to the entire country.
“This painful event casts a dark shadow over the National Sports Festival, an event intended to celebrate unity, skill, and national pride. We must ensure these lives were not lost in vain by prioritizing improved road safety standards across the country,” President Tinubu stated.
Widespread Condolences from National Figures
The news of the fatal crash sent shockwaves across the country, prompting reactions from various political and sports leaders. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose state hosted the sports festival, said he was “deeply traumatized” upon hearing of the deaths.
“It is particularly heartbreaking that athletes who had given their all to represent Kano State at the Gateway 2024 Games met such a tragic end,” Governor Abiodun lamented.
Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, described the event as one of the darkest moments in the state’s sporting history. “This is a deeply painful loss for us all. These young men and women were shining ambassadors of Kano,” he said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sorrow in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I am heartbroken by this unspeakable loss. These athletes and officials, taken in their prime, represented the best hopes and dreams of our country.”
Calls for Action and Road Safety Reform
The incident has renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement and better welfare conditions for transport personnel engaged in government-sponsored events. Advocacy groups have urged federal and state authorities to adopt stricter safety guidelines, particularly for long-distance travel involving sports contingents and public officials.
This tragedy has not only plunged Kano State into mourning but also reignited urgent discussions around road infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue management. As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping that this painful loss can serve as a catalyst for lasting safety reforms on Nigerian roads.
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