A delegation from Ogun State, led by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, visited Kano on Monday to express condolences to the state government and the families of the 22 athletes who died in a tragic road accident over the weekend.
The team was received at the Kano Government House by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.
In her remarks, Salako-Oyedele delivered Governor Dapo Abiodun’s message of sympathy and announced that each bereaved family would receive ₦1 million in immediate financial assistance, amounting to a total of ₦22 million.
“We know that the governor is out of the state on Hajj but we felt we had to be here to show our support to him, the government, and the people of Kano State in these trying times,” she said.
Reflecting on the scale of the tragedy, she added:
“This is a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community, and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident. Our prayer is that this kind of thing will never happen again and that Allah accepts the return of the deceased to Him, forgive their shortcomings, and grant them Aljanat Firdaus.”
The Ogun delegation included Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government; Wasiu Isiaka, Commissioner for Sports Development; Kweku Tandoh, Executive Secretary of the Gateway Games LOC; and several other officials and athletes.
In response, Kano Deputy Governor Gwarzo appreciated Ogun State’s act of compassion and the visit, noting the consistent concern shown by Governor Abiodun.
“We are not in doubt about Governor Abiodun’s concern. He called to commiserate with the government and people of Kano State shortly after the incident. This visit and the support extended today reaffirm that concern,” he stated.
The fatal crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Gadar Yankifi, located in the Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
The accident involved a Toyota Coaster Bus bearing registration number KN041 A17.
According to a survivor, Ado Salisu, the group was only a few hours away from arriving back in Kano when the tragedy struck.
A report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, confirmed that the vehicle was carrying 32 passengers, 31 male adults and one female adult.
Out of those onboard, 22 died at the scene, while the remaining 10 sustained injuries of varying severity.
