Kano Declares June 2 Public Holiday to Mourn Athletes Lost in Road Tragedy
Governor Yusuf’s Directive Amid Hajj Pilgrimage
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently on pilgrimage for the 2025 Hajj, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn 22 athletes and officials who tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident.
The directive was issued through a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who conveyed the governor’s deep sorrow and commitment to stand with the families in this time of grief.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” the statement read.
The governor called on Muslims across Kano and beyond to offer prayers for the souls of the deceased and for their families to find the strength to bear the loss.
State Government Provides Relief to Bereaved Families
N1 Million Compensation and Food Aid
In a bid to support affected families, the Kano State Government has announced a cash donation of N1 million to each of the families of the deceased athletes and officials.
Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam made the announcement following a briefing from sports officials on the tragic incident. He also revealed that the state would provide food items to assist families with immediate burial arrangements in accordance with cultural and religious traditions.
“We mourn with you and share in your grief,” Abdulsalam said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to assisting the affected families throughout this period.
Details of the Tragic Crash in Dakstalle, Kano
Bus Carrying 35 Crashes Off Bridge
According to eyewitness reports, the accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Dakstalle town, Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
The vehicle involved was the last of eight buses in the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The bus reportedly fell off a bridge, resulting in the devastating crash.
Out of the 35 passengers, 22 lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders and local authorities were promptly dispatched to the scene.
Athletes Were Returning from the “Gateway Games” in Ogun State
The Kano contingent had just concluded participation in the National Sports Festival 2025, popularly known as the “Gateway Games.” The biennial multi-sport event is aimed at promoting unity and cultural exchange across Nigeria.
Athletes from all 36 states of the federation took part in the competition, which serves as a platform for discovering and nurturing sporting talent nationwide.
National Mourning and Condolences Pour In
The tragedy has sparked nationwide mourning, with calls for better safety measures for sports contingents traveling across states. Civil society organizations and sports stakeholders have also expressed condolences and urged the government to investigate the accident for future prevention.
