At least 20 Kano athletes returning from the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State died in an accident on Saturday.

A bus conveying the athletes and officials crashed on the Daka Tsalle bridge, Garun Malam Local Government area, with over 20 of the athletes dead.

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, the host of this year’s National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway 2024”, commiserated with Kano State and the families of victims.

“It is indeed saddening and distressing that 20 gallant athletes, who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games, have lost their lives in the most traumatising and painful circumstances,” Mr Abiodun said in a statement.

He added, “This is so painful; these were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity. In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members, who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival, will never get to see their beautiful faces again. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.”