Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of 20 athletes from the Kano State contingent who died in a fatal road crash while returning home from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun.
The athletes, who had represented Kano State at the Gateway Games 2024, were said to be traveling in a bus that was involved in a crash approximately 50 kilometers from Kano after passing through Kaduna State.
In a heartfelt statement released in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun said he was deeply traumatized by the incident, describing the deceased as young, promising stars who had brought pride to their state and the nation.
“This is so painful,” the governor said. “These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity. 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.”
The governor described the athletes as heroes who represented Kano State with pride and built camaraderie with fellow athletes from across Nigeria. He lamented that their lives were cut short just before reaching home.
“They 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 that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest,” Abiodun stated.
Governor Abiodun extended his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Sports Commission Chairman, Umar Bala Fagge, and the families of the deceased.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of tragedy again,” he added.
He also prayed for strength for the families of the departed to bear the irreparable loss and called the athletes’ deaths a major loss not just for Kano, but for the entire nation.
