21 Nigerian athletes killed in road accident

At least 21 Kano State athletes were killed on Saturday (May 31) after a bus carrying 35 passengers fell from a bridge in Kura Local Government Area, reports Anadolu Ajansi.

The incident took place when their bus lost control while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, said a senior official.

Umar Faggie, chairman of the state’s sports commission, said, "The athletes were traveling in a Kano State Sports Commission bus when it flipped off the bridge."

Survivors of the road mishap have been taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed "deep sorrow" for the athletes' deaths in a post on his X account, describing the victims as "the very best of our nation, dedicated, talented, and full of promise."

“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” he said.

The National Sports Festival (NSF) is a major multi-sport event in Nigeria that attracts athletes from various states. It encourages unity, athletic development, and excellence. The NSF emphasizes sports such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and others.