A heartbreaking road crash has claimed the lives of 21 athletes and officials from Kano State who were returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the crash occurred at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday near Gadar Yankifi, along the Kaduna-Kano expressway, involving a government-owned coaster bus carrying 24 passengers.

According to the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the lone crash was caused by fatigue and excessive speed, worsened by the risks associated with overnight travel. The tragic incident left 21 male passengers dead on the spot, while three others, including the only female passenger, survived with injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Devastation on Return from National Glory

The deceased victims had just participated in the 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games 2024, which ended Thursday with a closing ceremony at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The victims included wrestlers, kickboxers, referees, sports secretaries, journalists, a public relations officer, and medical personnel attached to the Kano State Sports Commission. Two drivers were also among the dead.

One of the victims, Imam Umar Fagge, a football referee, was identified as the younger brother of Umar Fagge, the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission.

FRSC Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Driving Practices

The FRSC, in its statement, revealed that the Kano State Government coaster bus, with registration number KN 041 A17, lost control and veered off the road, resulting in the catastrophic accident.

“The crash involved a coaster bus belonging to the Kano State Government. Of the 24 persons on board — 23 male adults and one female adult — 21 were confirmed dead on the scene,” the statement read.
“Three individuals — two male adults and the lone female passenger — were injured and rushed to a hospital.”

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed his deep sorrow and offered condolences to the Kano State Government and the bereaved families. He emphasized that driver fatigue, especially after long-distance night travel, coupled with excessive speed, likely caused the crash.

“Fleet operators must begin to strictly enforce rest periods for their drivers and obey speed limits,” Mohammed urged.
“Driving at night when visibility is poor significantly increases the risk of fatal crashes.”

He also called on road users nationwide to uphold traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance before embarking on long journeys.

National Outpouring of Grief

The tragic loss of life triggered a wave of condolences from leaders, sports officials, and the public. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the crash as a “devastating blow to the nation.”

“This tragedy casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, which is meant to showcase unity, talent, and national excellence,” Tinubu stated.
“The best way to honour these fallen heroes is to implement concrete measures to improve transport safety across the country.”

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, under whose jurisdiction the sports festival was held, expressed shock and sorrow.

“This is distressing beyond words. Twenty bright, young, and talented athletes have been lost in the most tragic circumstances. They had so much to offer this nation,” he lamented.

Kano State in Mourning

The Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, spoke on behalf of the state government, expressing deep sorrow.

“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. These athletes represented our state with honour. We mourn their loss with heavy hearts,” he said.

National Figures Join in Condolence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined in the national mourning, describing the news as “heartbreaking.”

“These young men and women were full of promise and represented the very best of our nation. Their loss is immeasurable,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

National Sports Commission Pledges New Safety Measures

In reaction to the disaster, the National Sports Commission (NSC) announced it would implement stricter safety and welfare protocols to protect athletes and officials during official travels.

“It is now mandatory that all state contingents must have comprehensive insurance coverage, and all vehicles used for official movement must be mechanically certified and fully insured,” said Dr Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press at the NSC.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the incident as a “dark cloud” over the just-concluded festival, while Director-General Bukola Olopade stated:

“This is deeply personal for all of us in the sports community. Just days ago, we celebrated these young talents in Abeokuta. Now we mourn them. Kano State has always been a powerhouse in Nigerian sports—this loss is a national tragedy.”

Urgent Need for Safety Reform

This heartbreaking event has once again spotlighted the urgent need for reform in road transport safety, particularly in how athletes and officials are transported to national events. Analysts have long criticized the use of aging vehicles, inadequate insurance, and lack of oversight in government fleet management.

Calls have intensified for states and federal institutions to prioritize athlete safety, not only during competitions but also in transit. Stakeholders are demanding routine driver health checks, fatigue monitoring systems, and night travel bans for long-distance government vehicles carrying large contingents.

Remembering the Fallen

As the sports community mourns, tributes continue to pour in for the athletes, officials, and staff who lost their lives in service of their state and country. Plans are reportedly underway for a state-wide memorial service in Kano, where the contributions of the deceased will be honored.

The loss of these promising talents has left a void not only in Kano State sports, but also in the nation’s collective pursuit of unity and excellence through sports. Their names may fade from news headlines, but their dedication and sacrifice must serve as a wake-up call for lasting change in how Nigeria safeguards its citizens—on and off the road.