A devastating road accident claimed the lives of at least 21 athletes and officials from the Kano State contingent on Saturday, 31 May, 2025, as they returned from the National Sports Festival, dubbed the “Gateway Games,” in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The fatal crash occurred around 8 a.m. at Daka Tsalle Bridge in the Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, casting a somber shadow over the Nigerian sports community.
According to eyewitnesses and a survivor, Ado Salisu, the bus carrying approximately 35 passengers, including athletes, journalists, medical personnel and administrators, hit a pothole and somersaulted, resulting in catastrophic consequences. Nineteen individuals perished at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at Kura General Hospital. Over ten passengers sustained severe injuries and are receiving emergency treatment, with some being transferred to Murtala Specialist Hospital in Kano for advanced care.
Among the deceased was Galadima Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the Kano State Sports Commission, and the son of Salisu Jegus, a sports correspondent with Express Radio.
The Kano contingent, which secured 29 medals at the 22nd National Sports Festival, was travelling in a convoy of eight vehicles, with the ill-fated bus being the last.
The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, confirmed the tragedy, expressing profound grief. “We have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge stated, noting the ongoing efforts to support the injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano confirmed the incident but could not provide an exact casualty figure as investigations continue.
The Kano State Government is expected to release an official statement, while families await confirmation of the victims’ identities.
The Nigerian sports community mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals, with condolences pouring in across the nation.
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