Kano Declares Public Holiday in Mourning for Athletes Lost in Tragic Accident”
By Hassan Kano
Kano State Mourns Loss of Young Athletes in Tragic Accident
In a heart-wrenching incident, 22 lives were lost, and several others seriously injured in an auto accident involving Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival. The victims, mostly young athletes, coaches, and officials, were on their way home along the Kano-Zaria expressway when the tragic incident occurred.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the state government declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to sympathize with the bereaved families.
“We mourn with you and share in your grief,” the Governor said, describing the tragedy as a dark moment for the entire state. He called for calm and unity during this difficult period and assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.
The state government has called on Imams and Muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and their respective families to bear the loss. The declaration of a public holiday aims to provide an opportunity for the people of Kano to come together and offer prayers for the victims.
The National Sports Festival, where the athletes were participating, is a premier sporting event in Nigeria that brings together athletes from various states to compete in different sports disciplines. The Kano State contingent was representing the state in various sporting events when the tragic incident occurred.
The people of Kano State and Nigerians at large are mourning the loss of these young lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.
About The Author
