Toba Owojaiye reporting
Kano, Kano State
Tragedy has struck the Kano State sports community as a devastating road accident has claimed the lives of several athletes returning from the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Truth Live News gathered that the fatal crash occurred on Saturday morning at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, approximately 50 kilometers from Kano city. The bus, carrying members of the Kano State contingent—including athletes, coaches, journalists, and officials—reportedly lost control and plunged off the bridge. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have hit a pothole, leading to the tragic incident .
Casualty figures vary across reports, with some sources confirming 19 deaths , while others report up to 22 fatalities . The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, stated that the bus was conveying about 30 individuals at the time of the accident. Many of the injured have been rushed to Kura General Hospital for emergency medical treatment .
Among the deceased is the son of Salisu Jegu, a sports journalist with Express Radio, highlighting the widespread impact of this tragedy on the local sports and media communities .
The accident has cast a somber shadow over the celebrations of the National Sports Festival, where Team Kano had performed commendably, finishing 13th on the medals table with a haul of six gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals .
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the athletes as “the very best of our nation—dedicated, talented, and full of promise.” He emphasized the need for stricter safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future .
As rescue operations continue and investigations are underway, the nation mourns the loss of these young talents whose lives were cut short in their prime.
