The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano State Sector Command, has confirmed that 21 athletes have died following a fatal road traffic crash at Gadar Yankifi (Yankifi Bridge) in Garun Mallam Local Government Area on Saturday.
Earlier reports had indicated that 20 athletes lost their lives in the tragic incident.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Sector Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, it was revealed that a total of 32 individuals were involved in the crash — comprising thirty-one male adults and one female adult.
“We regret to announce a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today, Saturday 31st May, 2025, at approximately 1230hrs along the Kano–Kaduna Road, precisely at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
“The unfortunate crash involved a single vehicle, a Toyota Coaster Bus with registration number KN041 A17, belonging to the Kano State Government,” he said.
He stated that preliminary findings show 21 individuals tragically lost their lives, while the remaining victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured and the deceased have been evacuated to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital, Kano.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander M.B. Bature, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to promoting road safety.
He issued a stern warning to drivers about the dangers of speeding, overloading, and violating traffic regulations — behaviors that remain leading causes of crashes.
He also extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for the repose of the departed souls and wishing the injured a swift and complete recovery.
He added that the FRSC would continue strengthening its patrols, surveillance, and public education campaigns to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing that road safety is a collective duty, and all drivers must contribute to making the roads safe for everyone.
