The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has opened an investigation into a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State.
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According to the party, the athletes died when their bus reportedly fell off the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano, on their return journey from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Assistant Corps Marshal Ahmed Umar, who oversees the Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina zones, revealed this during a condolence visit to the Kano State Government House on Monday. He described the tragedy as a “devastating loss not just to Kano, but to the entire nation.” Umar stressed the FRSC’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government to improve road safety and save lives.
Highlighting the urgency, Umar called on both state and federal authorities to repair and secure dangerous road spots known as death traps. “We cannot afford to keep losing lives this way,” he said, urging proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.
He also instructed FRSC officials in Kano to advise the government on hazardous zones and poor road conditions affecting traffic safety.
Receiving the FRSC team, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo expressed gratitude for their solidarity and reassured that the state government is ready to partner with the FRSC in rolling out effective road safety measures. He also pledged support for the families of the victims and promised actions to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has blamed the tragic loss of the Kano athletes on the poor state of road infrastructure across the country.
Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a Southwest chieftain of the NNPP, described the incident as heartbreaking and called for immediate action to improve road conditions nationwide. He noted that the deceased were promising youths who had just represented their state at a national level.
He emphasized the urgent need for authorities to prioritize road development to prevent future tragedies, saying the accident could have been avoided if the roads were in better shape.
