By Douglas Princemola— June 1, 2025
A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of 21 athletes and officials from Kano State who were returning from the 2025 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Daka Tsalle Bridge, located in the Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State. According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the bus conveying the delegation struck a deep pothole, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle overturned, leading to the deaths of 21 passengers on board.
The victims had been part of Kano State’s contingent to the prestigious multi-sport event, which brought together athletes from across Nigeria. After days of competition and representation, their journey home ended in unimaginable sorrow.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site, transporting injured survivors to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were taken to the state mortuary, pending identification and release to families.
Kano State Governor, as well as the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, expressed deep shock and grief over the incident. In a statement issued Saturday afternoon, the state described the accident as “a monumental loss to the sporting community and the entire state.”
“These were some of our brightest talents — young people who had dedicated themselves to representing Kano with pride. This is an indescribable tragedy,” the statement read.
Authorities have vowed to launch a full investigation into the accident. Early reports suggest that the poor condition of the road played a major role in the crash. The Daka Tsalle Bridge area, where the accident occurred, has long been identified by residents as a hazardous route due to lack of maintenance and gaping potholes.
The tragedy has reignited national concerns over the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure and transport safety standards, especially for state-sponsored delegations and youth programs.
Messages of condolence and solidarity have poured in from across the country, with sports federations, athletes, and officials mourning the loss of their colleagues.
As the nation grieves, calls are growing louder for urgent government action to improve road safety and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
