The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has blamed fatigue and excessive speed for the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes and officials returning from the just-concluded 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday near Gadar Yankifi on the Kaduna-Kano motorway, involving a Kano State Government coaster bus with the registration number KN 041 A17.
According to a statement issued by corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the bus was carrying 24 people – 23 male adults and one female adult – when it went off-road.
Three survivors, including the only female passenger, were injured and sent to the hospital, while the other 21 casualties, all male adults, were pronounced dead on the scene.
“The crash involved a coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17 belonging to the Kano State Government that had 24 people on board, comprising 23 male adults and 1 female adult,” the FRSC statement explained.
“While 3 of the victims, 4 male adults and 1 female adult, were rescued to the hospital with injuries, the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were killed as of the time of the press release.”
The fatalities were members of Team Kano returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, known as Gateway Games 2024, which concluded on Thursday with a closing ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
According to sources, the deceased included wrestlers and kickboxers, journalists, sports organisation secretaries, referees, the Kano State Sports Commission’s public relations officer, medical workers, and two drivers.
Imam Umar Fagge, a football referee and younger brother of Umar Fagge, the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, was among those killed.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed deep regret and condolences to the departed families and the Kano State Government.
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travellers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed as a result of a long night trip,” the statement read.
Following the accident, Mohammed advised commercial and fleet operators to tightly enforce driver rest times and speed limits, particularly on night travels where poor vision increases risk.
“The FRSC corps marshal emphasised the need for fleet operators to admonish their drivers against fatigue driving and violation of speed limits, especially as they drive at night when visibility is extremely poor,” the statement said.
“The corps marshal also urged all road users to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution while on the roads. He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested.”
