NANS Mourns Death Of 21 Kano Athletes In Tragic Crash
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condoled with the government of Kano State and families of the 21 athletes who died in a fatal accident at Gadar Yankifi, Garun Malam Local Government Area of the state.
The athletes were on their way back from the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State when the crash occurred on Saturday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the death of 21 members of the Kano State contingent, with 11 others sustaining injuries.
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigerian Governors Forum were among those who extended condolences to the families and government of Kano.
In a statement released on Saturday by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, NANS described the incident as a national tragedy and a huge loss to the student community.
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation, particularly the youth and sports communities, as we mourn the untimely demise of these talented individuals who dedicated their lives to representing their state and uplifting the spirit of unity through sports,” Adeyemi said.
He also said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Governor of Kano State, the Kano State Sports Council, and the good people of Kano during this difficult time.
“The loss of these bright stars is not only a loss to their immediate families but to the nation as a whole,” he added.
Adeyemi urged the federal and state governments to take steps to prevent similar tragedies.
“A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this accident must be carried out to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
