By Deborah Nnamdi
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has declared Monday a public holiday in memory of the 22 athletes and officials from the state who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature, it was confirmed that most of the victims were young athletes who had proudly represented Kano State at the sporting event.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, we express our deepest condolences over the tragic accident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” Bature said.
The Governor, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, described the incident as a dark and painful moment for the state.
“With a heavy heart, I received the devastating news of the accident that claimed the lives of 22 of our citizens and left many others injured,” he said.
Governor Yusuf urged residents to remain united and composed in the face of this tragedy, assuring that the government would provide full support to the families of the deceased and those injured.
He also called on Imams and worshippers across Kano and beyond to offer prayers for the souls of the departed and for strength and comfort for their grieving families.
