The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the tragic Kaduna-Kano expressway crash that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes and officials to driver fatigue and excessive speed, particularly during night travel.
The devastating accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, when a Kano State Government-owned Coaster bus (registration number KN 041 A17) veered off the road near Gadar Yankifi, shortly after the delegation had departed from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they had participated in the 2024 National Sports Festival.
According to FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the bus was carrying 24 passengers — 23 male adults and one female adult — when it crashed. Twenty-one passengers, all men, were confirmed dead at the scene, while the three survivors, including the only female passenger, were rushed to hospital with injuries.
“While three of the victims — two male adults and one female adult — were rescued to the hospital with injuries, the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were killed as at the time of the press release,” the FRSC said in its statement.
The victims were members of Team Kano, returning from the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, which concluded on Thursday in Abeokuta. Those lost included wrestling and kickboxing athletes, referees, journalists, sports officials, a public relations officer, medical staff, and two drivers. Among the deceased was Imam Umar Fagge, a football referee and brother of the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and the Kano State Government, stressing the critical need for better compliance with road safety protocols.
“The Corps Marshal has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travellers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed following a long night trip,” the statement read.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Corps Marshal called on fleet and commercial vehicle operators to ensure their drivers observe adequate rest periods and strictly follow speed regulations, especially during nighttime travel, where visibility is significantly reduced.
“Fleet operators must caution their drivers against fatigue and speed violations, especially during the night when visibility is poor,” Mohammed urged.
He also emphasized the broader need for road safety awareness, warning that every stakeholder — from government bodies to individual motorists — must play a role in preventing further tragedies.
“All road users must prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution on the roads. This includes regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested before embarking on long trips,” the FRSC said.
