Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent who lost their lives in a fatal road crash while returning home from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), also known as Gateway Games 2024, hosted in Ogun State.
The ill-fated bus, which had safely passed through Kaduna State, crashed just 50 kilometres from the city of Kano, claiming the lives of young athletes described as vibrant and full of promise.
In a heartfelt statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun said the devastating news left him completely traumatized, noting that the athletes had represented Kano State with honour and were returning home with joy and a sense of accomplishment.
“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 stated.
“These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity. In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival will never get to see their beautiful faces again. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.”
Governor Abiodun described the deceased as heroes whose patriotism and commitment to sports and national unity will not be forgotten. He also offered prayers for the repose of their souls and comfort for the bereaved families.
“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 36 states, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil,” he lamented.
The governor extended his deepest condolences to his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Sports Commission led by Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State, describing the tragedy as an unimaginable loss to the entire nation.
“May we never witness this kind of incident again,” he concluded.
What You Should Know
The tragic death of 22 Kano athletes returning from the National Sports Festival has drawn national mourning.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has joined others in condoling the bereaved families and the Kano State Government, calling the young athletes national heroes whose legacies must not be forgotten.
