Kano State Declares Public Holiday to Mourn Fallen Athletes in Fatal Auto Crash

Kano State Declares Public Holiday to Mourn Fallen Athletes in Fatal Auto Crash

By Niyi Busari 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday in honor of the 22 Kano athletes and officials who lost their lives in a devastating auto accident while returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The announcement was made through a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who conveyed the Governor's deep sorrow and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Kano State.

"It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” Governor Yusuf said. “We mourn with the families of the deceased and share in their grief during this dark moment in our state’s history.”

The victims, many of them youth athletes, were part of the official Kano State delegation—including coaches, officials, and a photojournalist—returning from participation in various sporting events at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.

Governor Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, directed that the public holiday be observed statewide as a mark of respect and solidarity. He called on religious leaders, particularly Imams, and the entire Muslim community within and beyond Kano State to offer prayers for the departed souls and the strength of their bereaved families.

“The entire state stands united in sorrow. This is a time for collective mourning and reflection,” the statement added.

The Governor also assured that all necessary support would be provided to the injured and to the families of those who lost their lives.