Abba declares Monday holiday to mourn 22 athletes

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday a public holiday to honour and mourn the 22 young lives lost in a devastating auto crash involving the state’s returning sports contingent.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the state declared Monday, 2nd June as a public holiday to symphathize with the victims’ families.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home along the Kano–Zaria expressway, ‘’the statement said.

The statement added that the delegation comprised athletes, coaches, and officials representing the state in various sporting events at the just concluded National Sports Festival.

“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.

Read also:Tragedy as 20 Kano contingent members die in road crash

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”

Governor Yusuf described the tragedy as a dark moment for the entire state and called for calm and unity during this difficult period.

He assured that all necessary efforts are being made to support the victims and their families.

While His Excellency is away in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj Operation, he directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathize with the families of the victims.

The state also calls on the Imams and all muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and their respective families to bear the loss.