21 Athletes Killed in Tragic Road Accident in Nigeria

At least 21 athletes have lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Nigeria, a West African nation. The accident occurred when a bus plunged off a bridge. Turkish news agency Anadolu reported the incident on Saturday, May 31.

The crash took place in the southwestern Ogun State, as the bus was returning from a national sports festival. There was a total of 35 passengers on board, most of whom were athletes and sports officials.

Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed that the victims were athletes representing Kano State. They were traveling home in a government bus when the driver lost control while crossing a bridge, causing the vehicle to fall.

Following the incident, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “These athletes were the pride of our nation — skilled, dedicated, and full of promise for the future. I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss.”

Those who survived the accident have been admitted to a local hospital and are receiving emergency medical care. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.