Government declares Monday public holiday

The Kano State Government has declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday to mourn the tragic loss of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials who died in a horrific road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

The victims, part of Kano’s official delegation to the national event, were involved in a fatal crash along the Kano–Zaria expressway, prompting an outpouring of grief across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj—described the incident as a “dark moment” in the history of Kano.

“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,” the governor said.

He extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and the wider Kano sports community, acknowledging the victims as some of the state’s most promising and vibrant young talents.

“This tragedy is a collective loss that has thrown the entire state into mourning,” the statement read. “Most of the victims were young, vibrant talents who went out to make Kano proud on a national stage.”

Governor Yusuf called on the public to remain calm and united during this period of grief, assuring that the state government will provide every necessary support to the families of the deceased and to those recovering from injuries.

“As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency has directed that Monday, June 2, 2025, be observed as a public holiday,” the statement announced. “The day will be used for reflection, prayer, and solidarity with the grieving families.”

The government also urged Islamic clerics and the wider Muslim community within and beyond Kano to offer special prayers for the souls of the departed and strength for those left behind.

The Kano delegation had travelled to Ogun State to represent the state at the just-concluded National Sports Festival—a celebration of athletic excellence that has now ended in deep sorrow for the state.