Tragedy struck the Kano sporting community on Saturday as 21 members of the state’s contingent returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State lost their lives in a devastating auto crash.
The accident, which involved an official coastal bus carrying 36 passengers, occurred in the early hours of the day at Dakasoye, a town located about 50 kilometers from Kano. The contingent had been travelling overnight from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, after participating in the national sporting event.
According to eyewitnesses and survivors, the bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a ravine, leading to the death of 21 individuals and leaving 15 others critically injured. Among the deceased were young athletes, a journalist, a chief medical officer, a public relations officer of the Kano Sports Commission, and some sports administrators.
Ado Salisu, a senior sports journalist who was part of the convoy but in a separate vehicle, confirmed the incident to The Guardian. He recounted the shock and disbelief that gripped the remaining members of the contingent upon hearing of the crash.
“The accident happened around 9 a.m. this morning. It was a terrible sight. The bus had travelled overnight and just a few kilometers from home, this disaster struck,” Salisu said.
The injured have since been rushed to Kura General Hospital and Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital in Kano, where they are receiving urgent medical attention.
Authorities have begun investigations into the cause of the crash, with preliminary suggestions pointing to driver fatigue and poor visibility as possible contributing factors, given the long-distance overnight journey.
The Kano State Government is yet to release an official statement, but sources within the Kano Sports Commission described the incident as a devastating blow to the state’s sporting development and a tragic loss of young, promising talents.
Families of the victims and members of the sports community have begun mourning, while emergency responders continue recovery and support efforts.
This tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about road safety, especially for state delegations travelling long distances across the country under tight schedules and limited support infrastructure.
