Tragedy struck on Saturday as 20 athletes from the Kano State contingent lost their lives in a horrific motor accident on their return from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The accident occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, confirmed the incident to journalists, disclosing that the bus transporting the athletes plunged off the bridge.
“It is a dark day for us. As I speak with you, we have confirmed 19 bodies. One more was later recovered,” Fagge said. “Many of our athletes also sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.”
The vehicle was reportedly carrying 30 athletes before the unfortunate crash. Sources say the victims were part of the contingent representing Kano in various events at the sports festival.
Also speaking on the incident, a former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ado Salisu, said the injured were rushed to Kura General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State also acknowledged the incident. However, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, noted that full details were still being gathered.
“We have received the report of the accident, but I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at this time,” Labaran stated.