Agony as over 20 Kano athletes returning from Ogun sports festival killed in ghastly motor accident
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the sporting community in Nigeria, as at least 20 athletes from the Kano State contingent lost their lives in a horrific motor accident on their way back from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The fatal crash occurred on Saturday at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. According to eyewitness accounts and official statements, a bus carrying 30 athletes reportedly veered off the bridge, leading to the devastating loss of life.
Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the tragic news. “As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” he said. He added that many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
Former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ado Salisu, also shared that the injured were being rushed to the Kura General Hospital for urgent care.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has acknowledged the incident. However, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano Sector Command, Abdullahi Labaran, stated that an exact number of casualties could not yet be confirmed as investigations and rescue operations are still ongoing.
