The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has identified driver fatigue and excessive speed as the causes of the devastating road crash that claimed the lives of 21 athletes and officials from Kano State.
The victims were returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta when the accident occurred.
The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, near Gadar Yankifi along the Kaduna-Kano expressway. The vehicle involved was a Kano State Government coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17, carrying 24 passengers — 23 men and one woman.
In a statement released by FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the corps confirmed that the bus veered off the road, resulting in a fatal single-vehicle crash. Twenty-one of the passengers, all male adults, were pronounced dead at the scene. The three survivors, including the only female passenger, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.
“The crash involved a coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17 belonging to Kano State Government and had 24 people on board comprising of 23 male adults and 1 female adult,” the statement read. “While 3 of the victims, 2 male adults and 1 female adult were rescued to the hospital with injuries, the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were killed as at the time of the press release.”
Among the deceased were athletes from wrestling and kickboxing, journalists, sports officials, referees, a medical staff member, the public relations officer of the Kano State Sports Commission, and two drivers. One of the victims, Imam Umar Fagge, a football referee, was the younger brother of the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed profound sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Kano State Government. “The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travellers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed as a result of long night trip,” the statement said.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the corps marshal urged commercial and fleet operators to strictly enforce rest periods for drivers and adhere to speed regulations, especially during night trips. “The FRSC Corps Marshal emphasised on the need for fleet operators to admonish their drivers against fatigue driving and violation of speed limits, especially as they drive in the night when visibility is extremely poor,” the statement added.
He further urged all road users to prioritise safety. “The Corps Marshal also urged all road users to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution while on the roads. He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested.”
President Bola Tinubu described the crash as a “devastating blow to the nation,” noting that it overshadowed the National Sports Festival, which is meant to celebrate unity and excellence. He extended condolences to the Kano State Government and called for urgent improvements in national transport safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State expressed his grief, describing the incident as traumatising. “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,” he said. “These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity.”
Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, also mourned the victims, saying the accident had deeply affected the state’s sporting community. “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,” he stated.
