Tragedy on Kaduna-Kano Expressway: 21 Kano Athletes and Officials Die in Fatal Crash After 2024 National Sports Festival
In a devastating blow to the Nigerian sporting community, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that a tragic road accident claimed the lives of 21 athletes and sports officials from Kano State. The victims were returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The fatal incident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. near Gadar Yankifi, along the Kaduna-Kano Expressway — a notorious stretch of road that has seen several fatal accidents in recent years.
According to the FRSC, preliminary investigations revealed that driver fatigue and excessive speeding were the primary causes of the crash. The vehicle involved was a Kano State Government Coaster bus, with registration number KN 041 A17, transporting 24 passengers — 23 male adults and 1 female adult — back to Kano after the conclusion of the sports festival.
Details of the Tragic Road Crash
In a statement released by FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the corps confirmed the harrowing details of the crash:
“The crash involved a coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17 belonging to Kano State Government and had 24 people on board comprising of 23 male adults and 1 female adult,” the statement read. “While 3 of the victims, 2 male adults and 1 female adult were rescued to the hospital with injuries, the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were killed as at the time of the press release.”
The single-vehicle crash saw the bus veer off the road, losing control and resulting in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent Nigerian history. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, 21 lives were lost on the spot, and the remaining three passengers sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Who Were the Victims?
The deceased included athletes, coaches, referees, journalists, and sports administrators — many of whom were pivotal to Kano State’s representation at the sports festival. Among the dead were participants in wrestling and kickboxing, a medical staff member, and the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission. The two bus drivers also died in the crash.
One of the most heartbreaking losses was that of Imam Umar Fagge, a well-known football referee. He was also the younger brother of the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, adding a personal layer of grief to the institutional tragedy.
National and State Leaders React with Shock and Grief
The crash sent shockwaves across the country, prompting immediate reactions from leaders at both state and federal levels.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government and the families of the victims. In his official statement, he noted:
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travellers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed as a result of long night trip.”
He used the opportunity to call on fleet operators, particularly those handling long-distance trips, to enforce rest periods for drivers and strictly comply with speed regulations — especially for night journeys where visibility is low and the risk of accidents increases.
“The FRSC Corps Marshal emphasised on the need for fleet operators to admonish their drivers against fatigue driving and violation of speed limits, especially as they drive in the night when visibility is extremely poor.”
He added:
“The Corps Marshal also urged all road users to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution while on the roads. He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested.”
President Tinubu: “A Devastating Blow to the Nation”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also issued a statement mourning the lives lost in the tragic crash. In his words, the accident was:
“A devastating blow to the nation.”
He remarked that the tragedy had overshadowed the joy and unity that the National Sports Festival was meant to foster. He extended his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families of the deceased. The President further called for urgent improvements in transport safety standards across Nigeria to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State: “Traumatising and Distressing”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, where the festival was held, also expressed profound grief over the loss. In a heartfelt message, he stated:
“It is indeed saddening and distressing that 20 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 Games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and painful circumstances.”
He emphasized the lost potential of the young athletes, many of whom were on the verge of national and international recognition in their sports.
“These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity.”
Kano State’s Response: A Community in Mourning
Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, spoke about the deep emotional and psychological impact the accident has had on the state:
“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. We are devastated by the news of the ghastly accident that occurred as our athletes were returning home after representing our great state with pride and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire sporting community in Kano.”
Kano State has since declared a period of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and several public events postponed or cancelled. Plans are underway to conduct mass burials and provide financial and psychological support to the bereaved families.
The Larger Road Safety Conversation
This tragedy has reignited conversations around road safety in Nigeria, especially for state-sponsored travels involving large groups. The Kaduna-Kano Expressway, where the accident took place, has a history of dangerous driving conditions and poor road infrastructure.
With driver fatigue and overspeeding cited as major causes, experts are now pushing for:
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Enforced rest schedules for long-distance drivers.
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Installation of speed limiters in commercial vehicles.
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Use of dual drivers for interstate travel.
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Night travel bans or stricter guidelines during overnight trips.
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Comprehensive training and licensing programs for state and commercial drivers.
The FRSC has pledged to intensify its nationwide "Safe Trip" campaign, targeting commercial transport companies and government vehicles. There’s also a push to integrate telematics systems that track driver behavior in real time.
Conclusion: A National Wake-Up Call
The death of 21 vibrant, hardworking sports ambassadors from Kano is a tragedy that goes beyond numbers. It represents a critical moment of reflection for Nigeria — about how we travel, how we manage fatigue, and how we value the lives of those who serve and represent the country.
As Nigeria mourns, let this be more than just another sad news story. Let it be a catalyst for change in our approach to road safety.
May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
