Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda

*Kano Government, Public holiday

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed shock and heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano state, over the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 22 young athletes returning from the National Sports Festival, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

A Statement by Governor Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, indicated that Governor Radda described the unfortunate incident as a devastating blow to Nigeria’s sporting community and a painful loss that has left the entire nation in mourning.

“The news of this tragic accident has deeply saddened us all. These young athletes represented the hopes and dreams of their families, communities, Kano State and Nigeria. Their untimely demise cuts short promising futures and leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts,” Governor Radda said.

The Governor, on behalf of the Government and the people of Katsina State

state, extended sincere sympathies to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state, the families of the deceased athletes, and the entire Kano state sporting fraternity during the difficult period.

Governor Radda offered special prayers for the departed souls, appealing to Almighty God to forgive their shortcomings and grant them rest (Aljannatul Firdaos).

He equally prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved families.

Dead Kano athletes: Governor Yusuf declares today, Monday public holiday

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, a public holiday to mourn the departed souls of 22 Kano athletes, who died at Bebeji bridge, as a result of a fatal accident that swerved their vehicle off the bridge.

They were returning from the 2025 Gateway National Sports Festival, held in Ogun State.

They lost their lives while almost reuniting with their families after a long journey from Ogun, at Bebeji, less than 50 kilometres from Kano city.

Governor Yusuf, who is currently observing the Holy Hajj in Saudi Arabia, declared Monday a public holiday to sympathise with the bereaved families of the Kano athletes.

He expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in that tragic auto crash that claimed 22 lives and left several others seriously injured.

The victims, who were mostly in their youthful age, were returning home as Kano’s contingent from the National Sports Festival.

A Statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said:  “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 added that the delegation comprised athletes, coaches, and officials who represented the state in various sporting events at the just concluded National Sports Festival.

Governor Yusuf mourned, saying that: “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.

“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.”

Governor Yusuf described the tragedy as a dark moment for the entire state and called for calm and unity during the difficult period.

He assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.

Bature’s Statement added that: “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 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.”