The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to honour and mourn the tragic loss of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, described the incident as a “dark moment” for Kano State, noting that the victims were among the state’s most promising young talents.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, the governor expressed profound sorrow over the accident, which occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway.
“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 victims were members of Kano’s official delegation to the sports festival, and their deaths have sent shockwaves throughout the state.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the governor said.
Describing the incident as a collective tragedy, the statement noted, “Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud at a national stage.”
Governor Yusuf appealed for calm and unity during this difficult time and assured the public that the government will provide the needed support to both the families of the deceased and the injured survivors.
To honour the victims, the governor directed that Monday be set aside for mourning, calling on residents to reflect, pray, and support grieving families.
“As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be declared a public holiday for the people of Kano to mourn and pray for the departed souls,” the statement added.
The government also urged Islamic clerics and the wider Muslim community to offer special prayers for the deceased and for strength for the bereaved families.
The announcement has been met with widespread grief, with several organizations and individuals, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the National Association of Nigerian Students, extending their condolences.
The accident, which has been attributed to overspeeding by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is among the worst tragedies to hit Kano’s sporting community in recent memory.
