by Temitope Oladeji
3/6/2025
Kano State declared Monday a day of mourning after 22 members of its sports delegation died in a tragic road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The victims included athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff, and journalists.
According to officials, the state-owned bus carrying the team overturned on Saturday near Dakatsalle, about 40 kilometers from Kano, during the long journey back from the country’s southwest.
Nine others sustained injuries and are currently being treated at Kura General Hospital, while one passenger emerged unscathed.
The team had been traveling over 1,000 kilometers after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, a major event promoting unity and youth development through athletics.
Kano State had celebrated a successful outing after winning a total of 29 medals. It was reported that some of the medalists are among the dead, according to BBC Sport Africa.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“This is a heartbreaking day for Nigerian sports,” Dikko said. “We have lost promising athletes and dedicated officials who served their state and country with pride. Their loss is immeasurable.”
Families of the deceased have begun burial arrangements, with support from the Kano State government.
“The families chose to take their loved ones back to their communities for burial,” said Ibrahim Umar, Acting Director of the Kano State Sports Commission.
“The government provided each family with one million naira ($632) and food supplies.”
The crash has reignited concerns over road safety in Nigerian sports.
Long-distance road travel remains the primary mode of transport for many teams due to limited air travel infrastructure and budget constraints.
Umar defended the commission’s logistical arrangements, stating the buses were in good condition and that insurance had been arranged for all team members.
In response to the incident, the NSC announced plans to strengthen travel and safety regulations for national sporting events.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for a national policy on travel and athlete welfare,” Dikko said.
“From now on, all state teams must have full insurance coverage, and vehicles used for official travel must undergo mechanical certification and be fully insured.
These rules have been re-emphasized and will be strictly enforced.”
The NSC also pledged continued support to the victims’ families and confirmed that a formal investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.