Kano State is in mourning following the tragic death of 22 members of its contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival, who lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident on their return from Abeokuta.

The accident occurred on Saturday morning when the bus conveying the team rammed into Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. The impact of the crash claimed the lives of athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and sports administrators.

The bus, which was carrying 35 passengers, was transporting the team back home after their participation in the national sporting event that officially ended on Friday.

Among those killed were athletes who had brought honour to Kano by winning a total of 29 medals at the competition. Survivors said many of the victims died on the spot, while others were rushed to Kura General Hospital.

Ado Salisu Gama, one of the few who survived the crash, described the scene as devastating.

“Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle bridge, just before Kura,” he said. “The driver too is dead. As I speak with you, one other member just died. Those of us who survived are still receiving treatment at the hospital.”

The news has sent shockwaves through the sports community in Kano and across the country, especially given the contributions of the athletes who perished shortly after representing their state with distinction.