· President, NASS, Govs, others mourn Kano 22
· Whimpers for Mokwa 153 flood victims
By Godfrey AKON and Laraba MUREY
Two devastating tragedies, but two contrasting outpour of grief.
As at Saturday night, May 31, 2025, at least 153 people were confirmed dead after floods submerged the market town of Mokwa in Niger State following torrential overnight rains.
Then on Saturday, it emerged that members of the Kano State Contingent to the National Sports Festival which held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and with less than 50 kilometers to Kano had a ghastly motor accident leaving 22 dead and others with varying degrees of injuries.
Since the outcomes of the tragedies, it seems the deaths of mostly children, women and others matter less to government officials as all attention have been on the latter tragedy.
From President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, state governors and others have been remembering the Kano athletes.
However, President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in separate condolences described the situation as saddening, and prayed God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District of Niger State and chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Mohammed Sani Musa, donated ₦50 million and several truckloads of essential food items to the victims.
The Senator made the donations as part of his efforts to support ongoing relief operations and ease the suffering of displaced persons affected by the devastating floods.
In a statement he personally signed and issued to journalists in Abuja, Senator Musa expressed deep sympathy with the government and people of Niger State, describing the incident as a tragic disaster that has brought immense hardship to many.
In his own take, former lawmaker, Senator Uba Sani, called on the president to physically visit Mokwa, marching through its muds and remains to console them in their moments of grief and sorrow.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Sani said the president should demonstrate empathy.
“Over 150 people perished in Mokwa’s flash floods. Mokwa is in Niger State, neighbouring Abuja. The highway launched by the Government was great, the book launched by the opposition was good. The head of the country should physically visit Mokwa, and the head of the opposition should physically visit Mokwa. They should march through the muds and remains of Mokwa and meet with the orphans, the widows, and widowers of Mokwa and console them in their moments of grief and sorrow. Leaders should demonstrate empathy. That is humanity. God bless Nigeria.”
Kano accident
President Tinubu in a statement issued on Saturday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as a “devastating blow to the nation” and extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the families of the deceased.
The statement read, “This tragedy casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence.
“It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages.”
In his tribute, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday, expressed sorrow over the death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent in his condolence message to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the families of the deceased.
Akpabio in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the incident as a “devastating loss” and a sobering reminder of the need to prioritise the safety and welfare of Nigerian youths.
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly our youth. We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time”, he said.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said he was traumatised by the news.
“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 traumatizing and painful circumstances,” Abiodun said.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents skills, and creativity.”
The Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, consoled the families of the deceased on behalf of the state government.
“This is a deeply painful moment for all of us. We are devastated by the news of the ghastly accident that occurred as our athletes were returning home after representing our great state with pride and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire sporting community in Kano,” Kwankwaso stated.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed sadness over the tragedy.
“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” Atiku posted via X.
“These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise.”
In response to the tragedy, the National Sports Commission announced it has moved to formulate a coordinated national framework for safety and welfare.
Further, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, expressed condolences to the government of Kano State and the families of the deceased.
NANS, in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the incident as devastating and a loss to the student community.
He said, “This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation, particularly the youth and sports communities, as we mourn the untimely demise of these talented individuals who dedicated their lives to representing their state and uplifting the spirit of unity through sports.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, the Kano State Sports Council, and the entire people of Kano at this difficult time.
“The loss of these bright stars is not only a loss to their immediate families but to the nation as a whole.”
FRSC reacts
The Federal Road Safety Corps has blamed fatigue and excessive speed for the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes and officials returning from the just-concluded 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
According to a statement signed by the corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the bus was carrying 24 passengers – 23 male adults and one female adult – when it veered off the road.
Three survivors, including the only female passenger, sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital, whilst the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were confirmed dead at the scene.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Kano State Government.
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, 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 as a result of long night trip,” the statement read.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Mohammed urged commercial and fleet operators to strictly enforce rest periods for drivers and adhere to speed regulations, especially on night trips where poor visibility increases risk.
“The FRSC corps marshal emphasised on the need for fleet operators to admonish their drivers against fatigue driving and violation of speed limits especially as they drive in the night when visibility is extremely poor,” the statement said.
“The corps marshal also urged all road users to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution while on the roads. He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested.”
