Kano Governor Declares June 2 Public Holiday to Honour Victims of Tragic Bus Accident Involving 22 National Sports Festival Athletes
In a deeply emotional move, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn and honour the victims of a devastating bus accident that claimed 22 lives and left several others critically injured. The announcement follows the tragic incident involving Kano State’s contingent returning from the 2025 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
According to reliable reports, the fatal accident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as the Kano athletes, coaches, and sports officials were making their way back home after the conclusion of the highly anticipated national sports event. The accident happened when their bus plunged off a bridge just a few kilometers away from entering Kano State along the Kano–Zaria Expressway.
The loss has cast a heavy shadow over the entire state, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf describing the incident as a “dark moment” in the history of Kano. In a heartfelt statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor conveyed his deepest condolences to the grieving families and offered solidarity on behalf of the people and government of Kano State.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” the statement read.
The Tragic Loss of Young Talent: A Painful Blow to Kano State
The accident has been especially heartbreaking because the victims were young athletes, coaches, and sports officials who represented Kano State in various competitions at the just-concluded National Sports Festival. These were individuals who had dedicated themselves to bringing honour to their state, only for their promising lives to be cut short in such a tragic manner.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” Governor Yusuf said.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”
The governor’s statement highlights the collective mourning of the entire state. In Kano, where communal unity and shared responsibility are cultural values, such a tragedy is felt deeply by all.
Public Holiday Declared for Mourning and Prayers on Monday, June 2
Governor Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be set aside as a public holiday in Kano State. This holiday, he emphasized, is to provide citizens the time and space to pray for the departed souls, comfort grieving families, and reflect on the lives lost in the course of public service through sports.
“While His Excellency is away in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj Operation, he directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathise with the families of the victims,” the statement said.
The statement also called on Imams, Islamic clerics, and Muslim faithfuls both within and outside Kano State to hold special prayers for the deceased. The governor’s spokesperson further urged religious leaders to pray not only for the souls of the departed but also for strength, healing, and peace for the bereaved families.
“The state also calls on the Imams and all Muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and their respective families to bear the loss.”
A Call for Unity, Support, and Community Healing
This tragic incident has become a rallying point for unity and collective healing in Kano State. The governor has reassured residents that his administration is actively working to support the families of the deceased and the survivors. Although specific details of the support plan have not been publicly disclosed, sources within the government suggest that medical aid, psychological support, and financial assistance will be provided to those affected.
“Governor Yusuf described the tragedy as a dark moment for the entire state and called for calm and unity during this difficult period. He assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.”
This promise is significant for many who believe that the government’s immediate response and ongoing care will play a crucial role in helping the victims' families recover from the trauma.
The Bigger Picture: Road Safety and the Welfare of National Representatives
While mourning continues, conversations have begun about the safety of Nigerian athletes, the conditions of interstate transport, and the welfare of national sports contingents. Stakeholders in sports and road safety have called for improved transportation logistics for teams representing states at national events.
Many Nigerians are now questioning the mechanical state of the bus, the condition of the bridge, and whether the trip was supervised adequately. Some are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
For Kano State, this tragedy is a painful reminder that young lives lost in service to the state deserve more than just condolences—they deserve justice, accountability, and reforms.
Tributes Continue to Pour In Across Nigeria
Since the news broke, tributes have been pouring in from across the nation. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of grief, solidarity, and prayers. Fellow athletes from other states, sports lovers, political leaders, and human rights organizations have joined Kano in mourning.
The National Sports Festival, which is supposed to foster unity and national pride, has now become the backdrop of a heartbreaking loss. The hopes and dreams of 22 young people who wore the green and white of Kano State with pride were extinguished too soon.
Conclusion: A Day to Remember and Reflect
As the people of Kano prepare for the public holiday on Monday, June 2, there is a sense of solemn reflection across the state. The pain of this tragedy cuts deep, but it has also united people across religious, ethnic, and political lines. It is a moment of statewide mourning, but also a time to reflect on how the lives and dreams of these young athletes can be honoured through better safety policies, long-term support for their families, and national reforms in sports logistics.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to declare a public holiday and call for statewide prayers reflects the weight of this loss. It is a recognition that these 22 souls were not just victims of a crash—they were heroes who died in service, representing Kano with dignity.
As we mark June 2 in prayer, silence, and solidarity, may their souls rest in peace, and may their memories inspire a better and safer Nigeria.
