The Kano State Government has announced a donation of N1m to each of the families of the 22 athletes who died in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during a visit to Nasarawa Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased were deposited.
“This is a very sad day for Kano and the entire nation,” Gwarzo said, describing the incident as a painful tragedy.
“The athletes had just represented the state with pride at a national event, and some even won gold medals, but their lives were cut short just a few kilometers from home, he added.
He also mentioned that the government will also provide food and other relief items to support the grieving families.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered that financial support be given immediately to the families of the deceased and that proper medical care should be provided for the injured athletes.
The Deputy Governor visited Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital to comfort the seven injured athletes receiving treatment.
“On behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano State, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died, May Allah forgive their sins and grant them Jannatul Firdaus” Gwarzo said.