Kano State is in mourning following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of 19 members of its National Sports Festival contingent.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday in Dakatsalle town, about 50 kilometres from Kano city, as the team was returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
According to the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, the vehicle involved in the crash was carrying 30 people, including athletes, officials, medical personnel, and journalists.
“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge told Kano Times, adding that several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed. However, emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene, and the injured were transported to Kura General Hospital for medical attention.
The Kano Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) acknowledged the incident. Its spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, stated that investigations were ongoing and could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.
Zahraddeen Saleh, Chairman of the Kano chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), confirmed that the deceased included the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission and a photojournalist with Express Radio, an online news platform.
Kano State had placed 13th on the NSF medals table, securing six gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals. The delegation had been widely praised for their performance and sportsmanship, making the tragic loss even more heartbreaking.
Government Reacts
The Kano State Government, through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. We are devastated by the news of the ghastly accident that occurred as our athletes were returning home after representing our great state with pride and commitment,” Kwankwaso said in a statement.
He assured that the government would support the victims and their families, pledging to provide medical assistance and other necessary support. Kwankwaso also commended first responders and hospital staff for their swift intervention and promised that a full investigation would be carried out.
A State in Mourning
The accident has triggered an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the country. What was expected to be a triumphant return has turned into a period of mourning for the state’s sports community.
The Kano State Government has announced plans to review and strengthen safety protocols for all future travels involving official delegations, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of its representatives.
