Segun Awofadeji in Gombe and James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of 19 athletes from Kano State, who lost their lives in a fatal accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2025,” held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking on behalf of the Northern governors,  the NSGF Chairman, described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful, stating that the entire Northern region was in grief over the loss of the young and promising athletes, who had gone to represent their state and showcase their talents on a national stage.

This was contained in a press release by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli.

“These young athletes were more than representatives of Kano State; they were shining symbols of hope and promise for our region and the entire nation.

“Their exploits at the sports festival made us proud, and their untimely deaths are a painful reminder of life’s fragility,” Yahaya stated.

He, however, extended his heartfelt condolences to his Kano counterpart, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government, and the bereaved families of the victims.

“As a forum, we share in the grief and are committed to standing by the government and people of Kano State as they go through this dark and difficult moment.  

“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort to their families, teammates, and the sports community in Kano and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun,  has sent a delegation to Kano State to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the loss of the athletes.

The governor also gave NI million each to the families of the victims as initial support over the loss of their loved ones, totaling N31 million.

The delegation led by the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Wasiu Isiaka and the Executive Secretary, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Gateway Games Ogun 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh.

It also included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Comrade Lanre Ogunyinka, the Coach of Team Ogun; Idris Oguntayo; a female athlete from Team Ogun, Ms Atinuke Onabiyi, and a male athlete from the same Team, Ayomide Oyegbade.

The delegation, which arrived Kano around 9:00 am, was received by officials of the Kano State Government, led by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.

Expressing Abiodun’s sense of profound personal loss over the tragic incident, Salako-Oyedele, commiserated with the Kano State Government over the tragic incident.

“We know that the governor is out of the state on Hajj but we felt we had to be here to show our support to the governor, the government and the people of Kano State in these trying times. 

“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 hospital at this time, who rushed to the aid of the victims at the time,” she said.

Kano State Deputy governor, while responding expressed the government’s appreciation for the visit,  saying the government was not  in doubt about Abiodun’s concern. 

He said Abiodun had earlier called to commiserate with the government and people of Kano State over the incident on Saturday.