NSF: Kano Thrown Into Mourning As 22 Home – Bound Athletes Die In Road Traffic Crash

The Kano Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent to the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State in a fatal road traffic crash on Saturday along the Kano–Kaduna highway.

The team had reportedly been on the road since Thursday night, and according to one of the survivors, Ado Salisu, the accident, which involved a Toyota Coaster Bus marked KN 041 A17, occured about 12:30 pm just hours before they were expected to arrive in Kano.

According to a press statement issued by the FRSC Kano Sector Command, the crash involved 32 occupants—31 male adults and one female adult, out of which 22 lost their lives at the scene, while the remaining passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The injured victims, as well as the remains of the deceased, have been evacuated to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital in Kano”, said CRC Abdullahi Labaran, Public Relations Officer of the FRSC Kano Sector Command.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the crash was caused by factors yet to be fully confirmed, although authorities suspected over-speeding and possible driver fatigue or mechanical failure.

Sector Commander, Corps Commander MB Bature, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “This is a heartbreaking loss of lives. We mourn with the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of those injured”, he said.

Bature also used the opportunity to reiterate the FRSC’s ongoing commitment to road safety and accident prevention.

“We strongly warn drivers to desist from dangerous practices like over-speeding, overloading, and flouting traffic rules. These behaviors continue to cause avoidable tragedies on our roads”, the Corps Commander said.

In response to the incident, FRSC officials said they would intensify patrols and public enlightenment campaigns to sensitize motorists on safety practices.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic aftermath, with passersby and first responders rushing to assist before emergency services arrived.

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