Tragedy Strikes: 21 Kano Athletes and Officials Lose Their Lives in Fatal Road Accident Returning from National Games

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a devastating road crash has claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals, including athletes and officials from Kano State. The victims were on their way back from the recently concluded National Youth Games, popularly known as the Gateway Games, which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to local sources, the accident happened in the early hours of Saturday, May 31, at a location known as Daka Tsalle Bridge in the Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus carrying the team members hit a large pothole on the road, which caused the vehicle to overturn multiple times.

Ado Salisu, a local resident who witnessed the horrific scene, said the impact was so severe that most of the passengers died instantly. “It was a terrible sight. Nineteen people died on the spot, and two more passed away at the hospital not long after they were taken in,” he said.

Among the deceased was Galadima Ibrahim, who served as the public relations officer of the Kano State Sports Council. His passing has been confirmed by sources within the council and has thrown the local sports community into mourning. The identities of the other victims are gradually being confirmed as authorities notify their families.

Several other passengers sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at Kura General Hospital. Some of them remain in life-threatening condition, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize them.

Emergency responders, including local security agencies and medical personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to assist. The state government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and has promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

Officials have also initiated arrangements for the return of the bodies to their families, while ensuring that the injured receive the best possible care. “This is a dark day for Kano State and for sports in Nigeria. We are doing everything we can to support the families and survivors,” said a representative of the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This heartbreaking incident has once again drawn attention to the poor condition of many Nigerian roads and the dangers they pose to travelers. Many citizens and advocacy groups are calling on the federal and state governments to prioritize road maintenance and implement stricter safety measures for inter-state travel.

The Daka Tsalle Bridge area, where the crash occurred, is notorious for its hazardous road conditions, including large potholes and inadequate lighting—factors believed to have contributed to this tragedy.

As tributes pour in from around the country, there is a palpable sense of grief and frustration. The young athletes were seen as the future of Nigerian sports—bright, passionate, and full of potential. Their lives were cut short in a journey that should have ended in celebration, not sorrow.

The Kano State Sports Council and several other sporting bodies have declared a period of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast in remembrance of the departed.

What was meant to be a triumphant return from a national sporting event has turned into an unimaginable tragedy. As families mourn, and a state grieves, the nation must confront the hard truths about road safety and infrastructure failures. These young athletes and officials deserved better.

May their souls rest in peace.