To mourn and honour the memory of the 22 Kano athletes and officials who died in a road accident while returning from the just concluded National Sports Festival at Abeokuta, Ogun State, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has declared Monday as a public holiday.
The government’s decision is contained in a statement issued in Kano by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor who said the victims, mostly youths, were part of the state’s contingent.
Mr Bature said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred along the Kano–Zaria expressway.’’
He said, “It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.’’
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm and united during this difficult period, adding that necessary support would be extended to the families of the deceased and the injured.
He also urged imams and faithful across the state and beyond to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for their families to find strength in this moment of grief.
