In what can only be described as a heartbreaking tragedy, at least 21 young athletes from Kano State have reportedly lost their lives in a road accident on Saturday while returning home from the just-concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
What Happened?
The team was traveling in a bus owned by the Kano State Sports Commission when the accident happened. According to officials, the crash occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State. Eyewitnesses say the bus veered off the bridge and overturned, causing major casualties. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown as investigations continue.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims were young, vibrant sportsmen and women who had proudly represented Kano State at the National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, in Abeokuta. They were students, athletes, and future stars—dedicated and full of promise.
At the Festival, Kano finished 13th overall, winning a total of 29 medals, including 6 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze. These athletes were returning home with pride and excitement—until tragedy struck.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Some of the athletes survived the crash and were rushed to the Kura General Hospital for emergency medical attention. However, officials say the exact number of injured is still unclear, as rescue operations are still ongoing.
National Outpouring of Grief
The news has left the entire country in shock, with many Nigerians mourning the loss. Among them is Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his deep sorrow.
“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” he wrote.
“These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise. Their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families and the people of Kano but to the entire country.”
Atiku also emphasized the need for stronger safety regulations when transporting athletes and large groups of people across the country.
“It is imperative that we put in place and enforce safety measures to stem accidents and prevent loss of lives,” he added.
He concluded by offering prayers for the injured and condolences to the families of the deceased.
What Happens Next?
Authorities have not released a full list of the victims. The Kano State Sports Commission and local emergency services are expected to provide more updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about transport safety standards, especially for official government trips involving youth and athletes.
These young people had just made their state proud at a national event and were on their way back home. But sadly, their journey ended in tragedy. Their deaths have left families in grief, their communities in mourning, and the nation asking: How do we ensure this never happens again?
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover quickly.
