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The Federal Road Safety Corps has launched an investigation into the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State.
The Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States, Assistant Corps Marshal Ahmed Umar, disclosed this on Monday during a condolence visit to the Kano State Government House.
PUNCH Online reports that the tragic incident occurred just a few kilometres to Kano, while the athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun.
Speaking during the visit, the FRSC boss, Umar described the accident as “a devastating and tragic loss not just to Kano State, but to the entire country,” adding that the athletes had performed excellently at the competition before their untimely death.
“We have launched an in-depth investigation into the cause of this heart-wrenching crash. These young athletes were on national service to promote unity through sports when this terrible tragedy struck,” he said.
He noted that the accident occurred at a spot long regarded as a notorious death trap, and urged both state and federal authorities to take urgent steps to fix and secure such blackspots.
“It is compulsory for the authorities, at whatever cost to take decisive actions to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
“We cannot afford to keep losing lives this way,” he stressed.
Umar also urged FRSC officials in Kano to remain proactive and to regularly advise the state government on danger zones, poor road conditions, and other traffic-related issues across the state.
While commiserating with the government and people of Kano, the FRSC commander reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Kano State Government to enhance road safety and protect lives.
Responding on behalf of the governor, the Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, thanked the FRSC delegation for their concern and solidarity over what he described as one of the darkest moments in recent memory.
He said, “We sincerely appreciate your coming all the way to commiserate with us over this unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of 22 of our citizens. It is a huge and tragic loss.”
Gwarzo said the government was deeply pained by the incident, particularly because the athletes were returning from representing the state in a national event.
“They were close to home, just a few kilometres away from Kano, when this heartbreaking accident occurred. It’s very devastating,” he added.
He reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s readiness to collaborate with the FRSC in implementing road safety strategies that would help prevent future tragedies.
“This is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. We must work together to protect the lives of our citizens,” he said.
The government, he said, would continue to support families of the victims while also ensuring that necessary steps are taken to avoid a repeat of the tragic incident.
The accident, which has drawn widespread sympathy and sorrow, has once again placed focus on the condition of Nigerian highways, especially along routes notorious for frequent fatal crashes.
