Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, as a public holiday to honor the memory of 22 people who died in a tragic road accident involving athletes returning from the National Sports Festival.
According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the victims were part of Kano State’s delegation to the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
The bus carrying the group, which included athletes, coaches, and sports officials, veered off a bridge along the Kano–Zaria highway late Saturday as they journeyed back home. The accident resulted in multiple casualties, leaving several others injured.
“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 read.
Governor Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, instructed that the public holiday be observed as a day of reflection and mourning. He asked citizens to take the time to pray for the deceased and support the affected families during this period of grief.
“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,” the governor said.
The governor also noted that this is a sorrowful moment for the state and stressed the need for the community to remain united in grief. Religious leaders, especially Imams, have been urged to offer special prayers for the souls of the departed during congregational gatherings.
