Kano Sports Team Crash Kills 22, President Mourns

  By Zainab Rauf A tragic road accident on Saturday afternoon along the Kano–Kaduna highway claimed the lives of 22 members of the Kano Stat...

 

By Zainab Rauf

A tragic road accident on Saturday afternoon along the Kano–Kaduna highway claimed the lives of 22 members of the Kano State sports contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area.

The team, which had been traveling since Thursday night, was involved in a crash with a Toyota Coaster Bus (registration KN041 A17) carrying 32 occupants — 31 men and one woman. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command, 22 passengers died at the scene while others sustained injuries of varying severity. All victims and survivors have been evacuated to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital in Kano.

A survivor, Ado Salisu, confirmed the accident occurred just hours before their expected arrival in Kano. Preliminary investigations suggest possible causes include over-speeding, driver fatigue, or mechanical failure, although these remain unconfirmed.

FRSC Sector Commander MB Bature expressed deep sorrow over the incident, urging drivers to observe safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. “We mourn with the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said. FRSC officials have pledged to intensify patrols and public safety campaigns in response.

President Bola Tinubu described the accident as a devastating blow to the nation in a condolence message delivered by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga. He commended the dedication of the athletes and urged concrete measures to improve transportation safety nationwide. “This tragedy casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, which celebrates unity and excellence,” the President said.

The President also extended condolences to families affected by severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, which has claimed over 100 lives and displaced many. He affirmed that the federal government has activated emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to assist with relief efforts.

“We stand with the people of Mokwa and Niger State during this difficult time,” Tinubu said. He called for national prayers and solidarity, emphasizing unity and resilience in times of adversity.