20 Kano athletes die after Gateway Festival
About 20 Kano athletes died on Saturday, following an accident involving the vehicle conveying them from the 2025 Ogun National Sports Festival in Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of the State.
The Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, who confirmed the incident, said many other athletes sustained degree of injuries following the fatal accident on Saturday.
He said that the bus conveying 30 athletes fell from the bridge, leading to the death of the 20 athletes.
“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge said.
Also speaking, Ado Salisu, a former Vice- President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) confirmed the incident, saying that the victims were being conveyed to Kura General Hospital.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, Abdullahi Labaran, also confirmed the accident.
He, however failed to confirm the number of deaths and injured persons.
“We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” he added.
Also, the state’s SWAN Chairman, 
Zahraddeen Saleh, said the victims included athletes, journalists, medical personnel and administrators.
The State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Mustapha Kwankwaso, said others who sustained injuries were responding to treatment.
Kwankwaso expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate motor accident involving members of the Kano State contingent to the National Sports Festival – Gateway 2024 held in Ogun State.
“On behalf of the Kano State Government and the good people of the state, extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected athletes, officials, and their families.
“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. We are devastated by the news of the ghastly accident that occurred as our athletes were returning home after representing our great state with pride and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire sporting community in Kano,” Kwankwaso stated.
He described the incident as a moment of mourning for the entire state, adding that the government stands firmly with the affected individuals and will ensure they receive the necessary medical attention and support.
