NSF: ‘Saddening and distressing’, Abiodun mourns death of 21 Kano athletes

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has expressed sorrow over the death of 21 athletes of who were returning home after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, the bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash about 50 kilometers to Kano after going pass.

He said the incident had left him completely traumatised, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception by their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just concluded Ogun 2024 games, and who had a bright future ahead of them.

Governor Abiodun expressed condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes.

He said that they were heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.

He said: “It is indeed saddening and distressing that 21 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and most painful circumstances.

“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, skills and creativity. In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival will be never get to see their beautiful faces again. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.

“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 33 states, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest.

“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission Chairman, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and most unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”