Kano Declares Monday Public Holiday To Mourn Athletes Killed In Crash

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday in honor of the 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a tragic road accident on their way back from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The fatal crash occurred on Saturday near the Daka Tsalle bridge in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano. The victims, mostly young athletes, were part of the state’s contingent returning from the competition.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf—currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for Hajj—described the incident as a dark and painful moment for the entire state. “This is a great loss to Kano and the nation. We mourn these young talents who represented our state with pride,” he said.

The governor directed that Monday be set aside as a day of mourning, urging citizens to pray for the souls of the deceased and show solidarity with their grieving families.

Preliminary reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps suggest that the accident may have been caused by fatigue and excessive speed during the long journey.

In response, the Kano State Government has announced it will provide financial assistance of ₦1 million to each bereaved family. Nationwide tributes have poured in, including from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called for stronger safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

The holiday stands as a solemn tribute to the young lives lost in service of their state.