In a show of condolence, the Kano State Government has pledged N1 million each to the families of 22 athletes and officials killed in a tragic road accident returning from the Ogun Sports Festival
The victims, members of the Kano contingent, were in the last of eight vehicles travelling back from the National Sports Festival when their bus plunged off a bridge in Dakstalle, Kura LGA, killing 22 out of roughly 35 onboard.
- The tragic accident occurred around 9 am on May 31, 2025.
- Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam confirmed the cash support and added that food items would also be delivered to assist the bereaved in conducting immediate burials.
- A survivor, Ado Salisu, revealed the athletes had been travelling overnight when the crash happened.
- The donation is both financial and symbolic, reflecting the state’s grief and commitment to the grieving families.
While the N1 million gesture is seen as supportive, many Nigerians online are calling it “medicine after death.” Several netizens questioned why such funding wasn’t allocated to safer travel alternatives like flights. “That ₦1m could’ve booked them a plane,” one user lamented.
The accident has reopened discussions about athlete welfare and transport logistics in Nigeria’s sports system. Hopefully, this painful loss prompts real reform, not just condolence cheques.
