Nigerian Political Elite Mourns 22 Who Died in Auto Crash as Kano Declares Public Holiday

Nigeria’s political elite has joined Kano State in mourning the 22 young athletes who tragically died in a road accident on Saturday, prompting Governor Abba Yusuf to declare Monday, June 2, a public holiday for prayers and condolences.

The athletes, most of them youths returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, perished when their vehicle crashed along the Kano-Zaria expressway on Saturday, May 31, leaving several others injured.

Governor Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, issued a statement through his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, saying, “It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured. On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”

Yusuf added, “While His Excellency is away in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operation, he directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathise with the families of the victims.”

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The wave of condolences swept across states, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun dispatching a delegation led by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, to Kano on Sunday.

Salako-Oyedele said, “This is a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community, and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the other people who are in the hospital at this time, who rushed to the aid of the victims.”

She extended Abiodun’s financial support of ₦1 million to each bereaved family, adding, “Our prayer is that this kind of thing will never happen again and that Allah accepts the return of the deceased to Him, forgives their shortcomings, and grants them Aljanat Firdaus.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, expressed deep sorrow:

“My heart bleeds over the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger State and the road accident in Kano State. The deaths are painful and devastating. These tragic incidents, happening in quick succession, have left me shocked and deeply saddened, as they have many others across the country and even abroad.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio joined the chorus of grief, calling the crash “a devastating loss” and adding:

“This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly our youth. We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Kano State Government at this moment of grief. May Allah give their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”

He also urged authorities to “immortalise the deceased athletes” for their dedication.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, through Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, described the fallen athletes as “shining symbols of hope and promise for our region and the entire nation.”