By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Kano State Government has appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to investigate the site of Sunday’s fatal road crash that claimed the⁸ lives of 22 athletes, describing the area as a long-standing death trap that has continued to claim lives for years.
The government’s appealed was made on Monday by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while receiving top officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to the Government House in Kano, who came for a condolence visit.
The Deputy Governor said the administration is determined to uncover the root causes of the tragic incident and implement lasting measures to prevent further loss of lives on the notorious route.
“We cannot continue to allow that spot to take the lives of our people. It has been a deadly point for years, and this incident is the final straw. We are ordering a full investigation and will ensure permanent safety solutions are put in place,” Gwarzo stated.
The tragedy occurred just a few kilometers from Kano, as the athletes were returning from a national sports competition. According to eyewitnesses, the victims died instantly in what has now become one of the worst road disasters to hit the state in recent years.
During the visit, the Zonal Commanding Officer of the FRSC overseeing Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina states, Assistant Corps Marshal Ahmed Umar, expressed the Corps’ deep condolences to the Kano State Government and the families of the deceased.
He described the incident as “a devastating and tragic loss, not just to Kano State, but to the entire country,” noting that the athletes had proudly represented the state before their untimely demise.
“These were young, promising athletes on national service, contributing to national unity through sports. Unfortunately, they lost their lives so close to home. It is heartbreaking,” Umar said.
He revealed that the FRSC has already launched its own investigation into the crash, with a view to identifying both immediate and systemic causes.
“We are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened. This is not an accident we can treat lightly. The site has been a blackspot for years, and we must work with the government to address it decisively,” he added.
Umar also called on FRSC officials in the state to remain vigilant and proactive, urging them to provide regular advisory updates to the government on dangerous road zones and safety gaps.
Responding further, Deputy Governor Gwarzo thanked the FRSC for the visit and their swift action, noting that the incident has plunged the entire state into mourning.
“We sincerely appreciate your coming all the way to commiserate with us over this unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of 22 of our citizens. It is a huge and tragic loss,” he said.
According to him, the government will not only support the families of the victims but will also follow through with road safety reforms and infrastructure improvements.
“They were just a few kilometers from Kano when the accident occurred. It’s very devastating. We must not allow this to continue,” he added.
The crash, which has sent shockwaves across the country, has reignited public calls for urgent repairs and the installation of adequate warning systems at accident-prone road sections across the state and beyond.