Kano athletes death: Gov. Yusuf declares Monday public holiday as Ganduje, APC mourn

CYRIL MBAH, Abuja

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in a tragic auto accident that claimed 22 lives and left several others seriously injured.

 

The victims, who were mostly in their youthful age, were returning home from Ogun State as Kano’s contingent from the National Sports Festival.

 

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the state declared Monday, 2nd June as a public holiday to symphathize with the victims’ families.

 

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home along the Kano–Zaria expressway.”

 

The statement added that the delegation comprised athletes, coaches, and officials representing the state in various sporting events at the just concluded National Sports Festival.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

Governor Yusuf described the tragedy as a dark moment for the entire state and called for calm and unity during this difficult period.

 

He assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.

 

While the Governor is away in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj Operation, he directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathize with the families of the victims.

 

The state also called on the Imams and all muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and their respective families to bear the loss.

 

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other leaders of the party have expressed profound grief over the tragic death of 20 young athletes from Kano State who lost their lives in a fatal road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

 

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje described the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy that has dealt a heavy blow not only to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State but to the entire nation.”

 

He described the deceased athletes as promising and dedicated youths who embodied the future of Nigerian sports and the pride of Kano State.

 

“This is a deeply sorrowful moment. These young athletes travelled in the spirit of unity, patriotism, and excellence to represent our state and the nation.

 

“To lose them in such a tragic and untimely manner is a devastating national loss,” Ganduje said.

 

The APC National Chairman extended his deepest condolences to the grieving families, the Government and people of Kano State, and the wider Nigerian sports community.

 

On its part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it is deeply saddened by the tragic death of over 20 young and promising athletes from Kano State in an auto accident.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Barrister Felix Morka,  National Publicity Secretary, the All Progressives Congress recalled that the victims, who had just participated and excelled in the just-concluded National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, were returning home to Kano when the tragic accident occurred.

 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased patriots, the government and the good people of Kano State at this difficult time.

 

We commiserate with the  bereaved, and pray for quick recovery for the injured. May Almighty Allah grant the souls of our departed young heroes eternal rest. Amen,”the statement concluded.