The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said it received with deep sorrow the heartbreaking news of the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 21 promising athletes from Kano State, who were returning from the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

NGF Chairman, Abdul-Rahman Abdulrazaq, expressed the forum's deepest condolences to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the resilient people of Kano over the devastating loss.

He said, "Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with the families, friends, teammates, and coaches of the deceased. These young men and women represented the hope and vitality of our nation— ambassadors of discipline, determination, and unity. Their loss is not only a tragedy for Kano State but a painful blow to Nigeria’s sporting community and the nation as a whole.

"We commend the efforts of the emergency response teams and authorities who responded swiftly to the scene.

"As a Forum, we stand in full solidarity with the Kano State Government and commit to supporting all measures aimed at bringing comfort to the bereaved."

ASA