The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has extended condolences to the government of Kano State and the families of 21 athletes who lost their lives in a fatal road accident at Gadar Yankifi, in Garun Malam Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, members of the Kano State contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State, were returning home on Saturday when the accident occurred.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 21 people died, while 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the tragedy as “devastating” and a “profound loss to the Nigerian student community.”
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation, particularly the youth and sports communities, as we mourn the untimely demise of these talented individuals who dedicated their lives to representing their state and uplifting the spirit of unity through sports,” Adeyemi said.
He extended sympathies to the Governor of Kano State, the Kano State Sports Council, and the people of Kano, while calling it “a difficult time” for all affected.
“The loss of these bright stars is not only a loss to their immediate families but to the nation as a whole,” he added.
The student body also called on the federal and state governments to ensure that preventive measures are put in place to avoid future tragedies.
“A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this accident must be carried out to prevent future occurrences,” Adeyemi urged.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Nigerian Governors Forum, and other leaders have extended condolences to the affected families and the Kano government.