The Kano State Government has declared Monday a public holiday in honour of the 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a fatal road crash while returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature, who confirmed that the victims—mostly young athletes—were part of the state’s contingent to the festival.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” Bature stated.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a dark and painful moment in the history of the state.
“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 governor said.
READ ALSO: 20 Kano Athletes Die in Tragic Bus Crash Returning from National Sports Festival
Calling for calm and solidarity during what he described as a period of collective mourning, Governor Yusuf assured the public that the state would provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and those injured.
He also appealed to Imams and faithful across the state and beyond to remember the victims in their prayers, asking for the repose of their souls and comfort for their grieving families.
The declaration of the public holiday underscores the gravity of the loss and serves as a formal gesture of mourning for the promising lives cut short in the tragic accident.