A devastating road accident has killed at least 20 athletes from Kano State’s delegation to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The tragedy occurred in Kura Local Government Area when their bus plunged off a bridge just 30 minutes from Kano metropolis. Initial reports indicate 30 athletes were aboard, with survivors rushed to Kura General Hospital in critical condition.
The Kano State Sports Commission Chairman Umar Bala Fagge confirmed the fatalities at the scene, stating: “We’ve counted 19 dead bodies so far.” The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has yet to issue an official statement as emergency responders continue recovery operations. Former SWAN Vice President Ado Salisu confirmed victims were being transported to Kura General Hospital amid chaotic rescue efforts.
Tragedy Plunges Nation Into Mourning as Sports Community Reels From Loss
The disaster has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s sporting community, coming hours after athletes celebrated at the multi-sport festival. Witnesses described scenes of horror as the bus veered off the bridge, with local hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. This has unfortunately, become one of Nigeria’s deadliest sports-related transportation tragedies in recent years.
Currently, memorials are being planned nationwide as Nigeria mourns the loss of its sporting ambassadors.
