In the northern region of Kano, Nigeria, at least 22 athletes tragically lost their lives when a bus plunged off a bridge. The athletes were en route home from participating in a national sports festival when the accident took place. Several other passengers also sustained injuries. This unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, and the exact cause remains under investigation.
The bus, carrying more than 30 individuals including athletes, their coaches, and sporting officials, veered off the Chiromawa Bridge on the Kano-Zaria expressway. It is presumed that the driver lost control of the vehicle. Immediate medical assistance was provided, and the injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
These athletes represented Kano at the Nigerian National Sports Festival held in Ogun, a southern state. This biennial event gathers participants from 35 states across the country, highlighting the significance of the loss.
In response to the tragedy, Kano’s Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday as a day of mourning to honor the victims. The families affected by this unfortunate event will receive support in the form of financial aid amounting to 1 million naira (approximately $630) and essential food supplies, as stated by Kano’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
Frequent road accidents in Nigeria, Africa’s most densely populated nation, are attributed partly to inadequate road conditions and insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations. In a separate incident in March, at least six individuals were killed near Abuja when a trailer collided with vehicles and caught fire.