Sun Jun 01 13:01:30 UTC 2025: ## Kano Mourns: Bus Crash Claims Lives of 22 Athletes Returning from National Sports Festival

**KANO, NIGERIA** – Kano State is in mourning after a tragic bus accident claimed the lives of 22 athletes returning from the Nigerian National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The bus, carrying over 30 passengers including athletes, coaches, and officials, plunged off the Chiromawa Bridge on the Kano-Zaria expressway Saturday.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared Monday a day of mourning for the state and announced that families of the deceased will receive 1 million naira (approximately $630) and food supplies as support. Survivors are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

While the exact cause of the accident is under investigation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suspects fatigue and excessive speed after a long overnight journey may have contributed to the crash.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation. The National Association of Nigerian Students released a statement expressing its grief, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking” and saying it had “cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation, particularly the youth and sports communities.”

Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in Nigeria, often attributed to poor road conditions and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. The FRSC reported 9,570 road accidents last year, resulting in 5,421 deaths.

The Nigerian National Sports Festival, a biennial event showcasing athletes from across Nigeria’s 35 states, is intended to promote national unity. President Bola Tinubu recently emphasized that the games represent “the unity, strength and resilience that define us as a nation.” The tragic loss of these Kano State athletes stands as a stark reminder of the dangers facing travelers on Nigerian roads and casts a pall over the spirit of the games.

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