Kano State has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday to mourn the tragic loss of 22 young athletes, coaches, and officials.
Persecondnews reported that they died in a horrific auto crash while returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Governor Abba Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, described the accident as a “dark moment” for the state, noting it claimed the lives of some of Kano’s most promising youths.
In a statement released Saturday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, the governor expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the entire sports community.
“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 accident, which occurred on Saturday at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, claimed the lives of 22 athletes, coaches and officials, just a few kilometres from the Kano metropolis.
The statement reads: “This tragedy is a collective loss that has thrown the entire state into mourning. Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud at a national stage.”
Yusuf called on the public to remain calm and united during this difficult time, assuring them that the government would provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and the injured survivors.
To honour their memories, the governor directed that Monday be observed as a public holiday, encouraging residents across the state to use the day to reflect, pray and support the grieving families.
“As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be declared a public holiday for the people of Kano to mourn and pray for the departed souls,” the statement said.
The government also appealed to Islamic clerics and the wider Muslim community within and outside Kano to offer special prayers for the victims and ask for strength and patience for the bereaved families.
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