The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 21 athletes in a horrific road accident that occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Gadar Yankifi bridge in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Kano State.
According to a statement by Abdullahi Labaran, Public Relations Officer of the FRSC Kano Sector Command, the Toyota Coaster Bus, which was carrying the victims, was owned by the Kano State Government.
The vehicle, with registration number KN041 A17, was reportedly en route along the Kano–Kaduna Road when the accident occurred at approximately 12:30 pm.
“We regret to announce a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today… involving 32 persons — 31 male adults and one female adult,” the FRSC said.
Speeding, overloading identified as likely causes
Preliminary investigation suggests that speeding was a likely cause of the accident.
Of the 32 passengers, 21 died, while 11 sustained various degrees of injuries.
The injured and deceased were evacuated to the Nasarawa Specialist Hospital, Kano.
FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander M.B Bature, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of young lives and warned road users against reckless driving, overloading, and other traffic violations.
He emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on all drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
“This tragic incident is a painful reminder of the dangers posed by traffic violations. We will intensify surveillance and public awareness to prevent further loss of lives,” Bature said.
He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured victims quick recovery.
