Tinubu Mourns Kano Athletes Who Died in Crash, Sympathizes With Families
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences over the tragic death of athletes and officials from Kano State who lost their lives in a fatal road accident while returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as a heartbreaking national tragedy that has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of youthful talent, unity, and sporting excellence.
The accident occurred near Kura Local Government Area in Kano State, claiming the lives of at least 21 individuals—mostly young athletes who had represented Kano State with dedication and promise during the sports festival.
“This tragedy is a devastating blow, not just to the families affected and the people of Kano State, but to the entire nation. These were young Nigerians who embodied our collective hopes for a more vibrant and united country through sports. Their loss is deeply painful and personal,” President Tinubu said.
He extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed.
“To the grieving families, I extend my deepest condolences. Your pain is unimaginable, and your loss is shared by an entire nation. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the President stated.
President Tinubu commended the resilience and commitment of the athletes, noting that their participation in the National Sports Festival demonstrated their dedication to national development through sports.
He emphasized the need to revisit and strengthen safety measures for interstate travel—especially for athletes and students—to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to the disaster, the Kano State Government announced financial support of ₦1 million for each bereaved family.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also visited the scene of the accident and the injured victims, assuring them of the state’s full support and commitment to a thorough investigation of the incident.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and support the affected families.
In a related development, President Tinubu expressed concern over the recent floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which resulted in loss of lives and displacement. He ordered the immediate activation of national emergency response protocols and assured affected communities of government support.
The dual tragedies—the Kano athletes’ accident and the flooding in Niger State—have stirred nationwide mourning, with Nigerians across the country expressing grief and solidarity with the families of the deceased.
As the nation mourns, President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to unite in prayer and renew their commitment to building a safer and more compassionate society.
“The lives we have lost remind us of the fragility of life and the need for urgent reforms in areas where we face avoidable tragedies. Let us honor their memory by working towards a nation where every Nigerian is safe and valued,
