Former Lawmaker Calls for Lasting Memorials to Honour Kano Athletes Killed in Road Crash

As Kano State mourns the tragic loss of 22 athletes and officials who died in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival, former Senator Shehu Sani has urged both the Kano State and Federal Governments to take lasting steps to honour their memory.

Senator Shehu Sanni

In an emotional message posted on Facebook, Sani called for the victims to be immortalized through tangible tributes such as naming streets after them and erecting a memorial at the accident site.

He emphasized the need for future generations to understand the sacrifices made by the young athletes who died while serving their state and country.

“Kano state and the Federal Government must do better to support their families and immortalise them. Streets should be named after them. The scene of the accident must have a memorial in their honour. The future generation should know about them and their sacrifices,” the former senator wrote.

“We cannot bring them back to life but we can make their service and sacrifice immortal. With tears in my eyes, I say to the spirits of the deceased, thank you for your service to humanity. We appreciate your lives. May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljanna firdausi.”

“They travelled hundreds of kilometers only to perish at a distance of ‘Mun kusa shigowa’. They made their last calls and last messages before their exit to eternity. They died in active service for their state and country. We lost a vibrant generation who represented us and determined to make us proud,” he added.

Tragic End to a Proud Journey

The accident occurred on Saturday in Dakatsalle town, about 50 kilometres from Kano, as the state’s contingent neared the end of their return journey from Ogun State, where they had participated in the National Sports Festival.

According to Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, the vehicle was carrying 30 people when it crashed.

“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” he told Kano Times, adding that several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The victims included athletes, sports officials, a journalist, and medical staff. Among the deceased were the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission and a photojournalist from Express Radio, an online news outlet.

Emergency teams responded swiftly, transporting victims to Kura General Hospital. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), whose spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, confirmed the incident but said a detailed report is still being compiled.

Government Reacts with Mourning and Support

In response to the tragedy, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared Monday a public holiday to honour the dead. The Deputy Governor, while visiting the Specialist Hospital—where the bodies were deposited—announced that the state government would provide ₦1 million and food items to each of the bereaved families.

The Deputy Governor was visibly emotional during the hospital visit, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, and other top officials.

Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, described the accident as a heartbreaking loss for the entire state.

“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 said.

He added that the government is fully committed to supporting the victims’ families and ensuring survivors receive proper medical care. He also promised a comprehensive report on the incident, with appropriate measures to follow.

Fallen heroes

From Celebration to Sorrow

The Kano contingent had reason to celebrate as they wrapped up a commendable showing at the NSF, finishing 13th on the national medal table with 6 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Their return home was meant to mark the end of a successful outing—but instead, it turned into a tragedy that shocked the nation.As condolence messages pour in from across the country, calls for action—like those made by Senator Sani—are gaining traction. His appeal reflects a broader public sentiment: that these young lives, lost in the line of service, deserve more than mourning. They deserve remembrance.