A tragic incident occurred on Saturday when 20 members of the Kano contingent lost their lives in a car accident while returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.
Reports indicate that the vehicle carrying the group was involved in the crash in Dakatsalle town, located 50 kilometers from the historic city of Kano.
Zahraddeen Saleh, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kano State, confirmed the news. The victims included athletes, journalists, medical staff, and administrators.
Mustapha Kwankwaso, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, also verified the incident in an official statement released to the media. He mentioned that those injured are currently receiving treatment.
Kwankwaso expressed his profound condolences regarding the tragic accident involving the Kano State team at the National Sports Festival – Gateway 2024 in Ogun State. “On behalf of the Kano State Government and its citizens, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the affected athletes, officials, and their families. This is a deeply sorrowful time for all of us. We are heartbroken by the news of this horrific accident that occurred as our athletes returned home after proudly representing our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire sporting community in Kano,” he stated.
He characterized the event as a time of mourning for the entire state and assured that the government will support those impacted, ensuring they receive necessary medical care and assistance. Kwankwaso also commended the first responders and medical teams for their efforts in assisting the victims and promised that a comprehensive report on the incident would be prepared, leading to appropriate actions. He reiterated the Kano State Government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all athletes and officials representing the state in national and international sports events.
