Tragedy Strikes After Nigerian Sports Festival as 19 Die in Road Crash

Abuja, NIGERIA — A return journey from Nigeria’s National Sports Festival ended in heartbreak on Saturday when a bus carrying athletes and officials from Kano State plunged off a bridge, killing at least 19 people.

The accident occurred at approximately 9am in the Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, as the final vehicle in a convoy of eight made its way back from Ogun State, where the biennial multi-sport event—dubbed the *Gateway Games*—had concluded earlier in the week.

Witnesses reported that the bus, heavily laden with some 35 passengers, including athletes, coaches, medical staff, and journalists, veered off a narrow bridge in Dakstalle, around 50 kilometres from Kano city, before crashing down into a ravine.

“We were travelling overnight from Ogun State after the conclusion of the Games when it happened,” said Ado Salisu, a surviving member of the contingent. “The bus that crashed was the last in the convoy. We had no idea something was wrong until we received the call.”

Rescue efforts were swift but grim. By mid-morning, 19 bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, while more than a dozen others were rushed to Kura General Hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Local authorities confirmed that plans were in motion to transfer the most critical cases to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.

The identities of those killed have not yet been formally released, but officials confirmed they included several high-profile athletes, journalists covering the Games, medical personnel, and team administrators.

The Governor of Kano State is expected to issue a formal statement in the coming hours, while tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria’s sporting community.

The National Sports Festival, which began in 1973, is one of Nigeria’s largest sporting events, bringing together athletes from all 36 states to compete in disciplines ranging from athletics and football to wrestling and table tennis. It is intended to promote national unity, cross-cultural understanding and youth development.

This year’s event in Ogun State had been celebrated for its vibrant opening ceremony and competitive spirit, drawing attention for its well-organised logistics and enthusiastic turnout. But the mood across the country has now shifted to one of mourning.

“It is a tragic irony that an event designed to foster peace and unity has ended in such sorrow,” said one sports official in Abuja. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives in service of sport.”

As authorities begin investigations into the cause of the accident, early indications suggest that poor road infrastructure and possible driver fatigue may have played a role. The Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps has announced it will conduct a full inquiry.

Flags are expected to be flown at half-mast in Kano over the coming days. A minute’s silence is also being planned at national sporting events scheduled this weekend.