A tragic road accident along the Kano–Kaduna highway claimed the lives of 22 members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area. The victims were travelling in a Toyota Coaster bus (registration number KN041 A17), with 32 people onboard—31 men and one woman.

A survivor, Ado Salisu, told journalists that the accident happened just hours before their expected arrival in Kano.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), preliminary findings suggest the crash may have been caused by over-speeding, mechanical failure, or driver fatigue.

“The injured victims and the deceased have been taken to Nasarawa Specialist Hospital in Kano,” said FRSC spokesperson CRC Abdullahi Labaran.

Sector Commander MB Bature expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “We mourn with the families and pray for a swift recovery for the injured,” he said.

The FRSC also pledged to intensify patrols and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We urge drivers to avoid speeding and obey all traffic regulations,” added Labaran.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as authorities await notification of next of kin.