Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has declared Monday, June 2, a public holiday to honour the 22 athletes and officials who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” the statement read.

Governor Yusuf, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj operations, expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing it as a dark moment for the state.

“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,” he said.

The governor called for calm and unity among the people of Kano, assuring that all necessary support would be provided to the bereaved families and those injured in the accident.

He also urged religious leaders and their followers across the state to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for their families to find strength during this difficult time.