*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as the families and loved ones of the athletes who died in the accident

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic accident involving members of the Kano State contingent, when returning from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The President, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement at the weekend, noted President Tinubu said: “This is a devastating blow to the nation.

“It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talents, and excellence.

“It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages.”

He equally paid tribute to the accident victims, whose dedication and aspirations in their various vocations embodied the resilient Nigerian spirit.

The statement also noted the Nigerian leader affirmed that the greatest honour the country could accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future, and improve safety standards across the transportation systems in the country.

The President further prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families.

FRSC, survivor affirm road accident involving Kano contingent

绿帽献妻 reports the fatal road crash occurred afternoon Saturday, May 31, along the Kano鈥揔aduna highway, and claimed the lives of 22 people, according to officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The incident, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. at Gadar Yankifi, in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, involved a Toyota Coaster Bus with registration number KN041 A17.

All the affected victims were said to be members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

The FRSC Kano Sector Command, inna statement, disclosed the crash involved 32 occupants, including 31 male adults and a female adult.

The Corps stated that of the total occupants of the bus, 22 individuals lost their lives at the scene, while the remaining passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.

It also said: 鈥淭he injured victims, as well as the remains of the deceased, have been evacuated to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital in Kano.”

The Kano team had been on the road since Thursday night, shortly after the conclusion of the NSF, in Abeokuta.

Relating his experience, Ado Salisu, one of the survivors, told reporters that the accident happened a few hours before they were expected to arrive in Kano State.

President directs NEMA on activation of National Emergency Response at Mokwa

In a related development, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has led to the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous families.

Tinubu, in his verified X account night Friday, May 30, 2025, stated: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.”

Upon receiving the initial reports, President Tinubu directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre, and has since been fully briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.

The Presidential media aide disclosed that search-and-rescue operations are underway, and all relevant Federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response to the flood disaster.

Onanuga, in the statement, noted relief materials and temporary shelters were being deployed without delay.

President Tinubu, in his personal statement, said: “I assure all those impacted that our government stands with you.

“We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response鈥攐ne that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery.”

He as well directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations, and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.

The President, therefore, urged all Nigerians to keep the people of Mokwa in their thoughts and prayers.

Tinubu averred: “In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity.”

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