National Tragedy: Abiodun Mourns As 20 Kano Contingents Lost Their Lives in Home Journey Autocrash 

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Saturday May 31st, 2025 will go down in history as a black Saturday and a day of national mourning as no fewer than 20 members of the Kano State contingent returning home after the just-concluded National Sports Festival hosted by Ogun State lost their lives in a fatal roadcrash.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of 20 athletes from the Kano State contingent who died in a fatal road crash while returning home from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun.

OTN News gathered that the athletes, who had represented Kano State at the Gateway Games 2024, were said to be traveling in an official bus of the Kano State Sports Commission when the roadcrash occurred at approximately 50 kilometers from Kano after passing through Kaduna State.

In a heartfelt statement released in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun expressed his utmost shock and grief, noting that he remains in a state of deep trauma upon hearing the incident.

Abiodun described the deceased people as young, promising stars who had brought pride to their state and the nation.

Abiodun said, "This is so painful, “these were young people, budding stars, who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity. It is tragic that their beloved family members, who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival, will never get to see their beautiful faces again.”

The governor described the athletes as heroes who represented Kano State with pride and built camaraderie with fellow athletes from across Nigeria. He lamented that their lives were cut short just before reaching home.

“They were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil.”

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest,” Abiodun stated.

Governor Abiodun extended his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Sports Commission Chairman, Umar Bala Fagge, and the families of the deceased.

“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of tragedy again,” he added.

He prayed for strength for the families of the departed to bear the irreparable loss and called the athletes’ deaths a major loss not just for Kano, but for the entire nation.