Kano Govt Declares Monday Work Free Day to Mourn 22 Athletes Died in Auto Crash

The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared Monday, June 2, a work-free day following the tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of 22 young citizens returning from the National Sports Festival.

The victims, largely youths, were part of Kano’s contingent comprising athletes, coaches, and officials.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor described the incident as a “dark moment for the state”. He declared Monday, June 2, 2025, a public holiday to honour the deceased and sympathize with their 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,”

Governor Yusuf, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, called for unity and prayer during this difficult period.

He urged all imams and Muslim faithful across Kano and beyond to offer prayers for the departed souls and strength for their grieving families.

“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” the governor stated. “We mourn with you and share in your grief.”

He also assured that the government is making all necessary efforts to support survivors and affected families in every possible way.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jibril Ismail Falgore, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of Kano athletes.

“This irreplaceable tragedy has left us heartbroken. The youth are the bedrock of societal development, and losing such promising individuals in this unfortunate circumstance is a profound loss to the people of Kano State and the nation at large.” He said

Falgore, on behalf of the Kano State House of Assembly, joined others in offering deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased, the Kano State Government, and the people of Kano State.