Sunday June 1, 2025|
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Kano State, Mallam Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the families of the 22 members of the Kano State contingent who lost their lives following the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of young athletes and officials returning from the festival, has plunged the state and the nation into mourning.
Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the closing ceremony of the games in Abeokuta over the weekend, expressed sympathy in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State,” Akpabio said.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Nigerian Senate, and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government, and people of Kano State.”
Describing the loss as a “painful reminder of the fragility of life,” Akpabio emphasised the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, especially the youth.
“We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their memories inspire us to work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all Nigerians,” he added.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” which brought together athletes from across the country, ended on a somber note with the news of the Kano contingent’s tragedy casting a shadow over the event’s celebratory close. The accident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, when a bus carrying 35 passengers, primarily athletes and officials, plunged off Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, resulting in 22 deaths and several injuries.
