Gateway Games: Gov. Abiodun Mourns Kano Athletes, Officials Killed in Auto Crash 

Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun has expressed profound sorrow following the tragic accident involving members of the Kano State contingent returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.

A bus transporting the athletes was reportedly involved in a crash approximately 50 kilometers from Kano, after passing through Kaduna State, resulting in the loss of 20 lives.

In a statement released Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, emailed to Persecondnews, Abiodun described the incident as “completely traumatizing.”

He highlighted the devastating loss of these “vibrant young people” who were undoubtedly looking forward to a warm welcome from their families and fans after proudly representing Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024, and who had promising futures ahead of them.

Abiodun extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kano State and offered prayers for the repose of the athletes’ souls, recognizing them as heroes whose patriotism and commitment to Kano State and Nigeria will forever be remembered.

He said: “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.

“This is so painful. 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.

“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.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest.

“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”