By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Saturday, May 31, 2025, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of 21 members of the Kano state Contingent, to the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
The Source reports that a bus conveying the Kano State contingent home was involved in a mishap, about 50 kilometers to the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.
The fatal crash which occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge ,in Kura local Council of Kano ,also left several other athletes seriously injured.
According to Umar Fagge ,the Chairman of the Kano state Sports Council ,there were about 30 athletes on the bus as at the time of the accident.
A viral video clip of the accident, showed the bus veered off the bridge, and somersaulted.
In a statement on Saturday, Governor Abiodun, who was the Chief Host of the National sports fiesta, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, families, friends and relations of the deceased athletes, noted that the ugly development has left him completely traumatized.
According to the Governor, the mishap becomes more grieving given the fact that the athletes must have been looking forward to a warm reception back home from their state Government, families and friends after proudly donning the colours of the State at the Gateway Games.
While praying God to grant the Kano Government, family members and friends of the deceased the fortitude to bear the heavy loss, Abiodun also asked for the repose of the souls of the departed.
He described the victims as heroes whose patriotic contributions to the growth and development of Kano and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.
” It is indeed saddening and distressing that 21 gallant athletes who had represented Kano state at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in most traumatizing and most painful circumstances.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills and creativity.
In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members ,who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival will never get to see their beautiful faces again.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.
“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction, and made friends with compatriots from across the States, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil .
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest”, Governor Abiodun noted
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