‘Painful loss’ — Dapo Abiodun condoles with Kano over death of athletes

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, has expressed sadness over the death of members of the Kano state’s contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival.

On Saturday, a bus conveying the athletes who were returning to Kano reportedly slipped off the Dakatsalle bridge in Kura LGA of the state.

The accident led to the death of at least 20 members of the team while others sustained injuries.

Abiodun condoled with the government and people of Kano state over the incident.

The governor 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 from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024, and who had a bright future ahead of them”.

He described the deceased as heroes “whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten”.

“It is indeed saddening and distressing that 20 gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives in the most traumatizing and painful circumstances,” Abiodun said.

“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents 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 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 36 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 grants them eternal rest.

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

Kano state finished 13th with 29 medals, including six gold at the Gateway Games in Abeokuta.