From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

19 members of the Kano State contingent in the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State have died in a fatal road accident.

The accident happened on their way back to Kano State.

A statement issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano State Sector Command confirmed the fatal road traffic crash.

Signed by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, tbe statement said that the accident occurred on Saturday 31st May, 2025, at approximately 1230hrs along the Kano–Kaduna Road andvprecisely at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.

“The unfortunate crash involved a single vehicle, a Toyota Coaster Bus with registration number KN041 A17, belonging to Kano State Government,” the statement explained

According to the statement, “A total of thirty-two (32) persons were involved in the crash, comprising thirty-one (31) male adults and one (1) female adult.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that twenty one (21) persons sadly lost their lives, while the remaining sustained varying degrees of injuries” the statement stated.

“The injured victims, as well as the remains of the deceased, have been evacuated to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital, Kano” the statement added.

“The Sector Commander, Corps Commander MB Bature, while expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safety on our roads”.

“He strongly warned drivers against over speeding, overloading, and all forms of traffic violations, which remain major contributors to road crashes and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for the repose of their souls.

“He also wished the injured victims a speedy and full recovery”

The Chairman, Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge equally confirmed the tragedy, explaining that the bus fell inside the bridge.

“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies” he told the media from the scene of the accident while praying for repose of the departed souls

Ado Salisu. a former Vice president of SWAN, said the victims were being conveyed to Kura General Hospital adding that the tragedy is heavy.

Meanwhile. the accident has thrown a pall of sadness across the entire metropolis of the state.