The House of Representatives has mourned the Kano State contingent to the National Sports Festival “Gateway Games 2025,” which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following the accident that claimed the lives of over 20 sportsmen at the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State.

Umar Fagge, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, who made this known to pressmen, explained that the team’s bus that conveyed 30 athletes fell from the bridge, and 20 of the 30 athletes involved in the accident died.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, described the incident as a national tragedy and called on the Kano State Government and relevant authorities to immortalise the dearly departed patriots.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased athletes and the Government and people of Kano State at this moment of grief. This is one unfortunate incident too many. May Allah (SWT) grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”

Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Rep. Kabiru Ahmadu, expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as “a dark and painful moment for the Nigerian sports family.”

He said, “It is incredibly heartbreaking that young and promising athletes, alongside their officials who had just served the nation with pride and commitment, lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.

“May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, grant them peace and comfort those they leave behind,” he added.

He further stated that, as part of its oversight responsibilities, the House Committee on Sports will engage relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety protocols for all future national sporting activities involving young Nigerians.

The House also extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Caucus in the House of Representatives, the Government and People of Kano State, as well as the broader Nigerian sports community.