Kano, Nigeria — The air in Kano remains heavy with sorrow following the tragic death of 22 young athletes in a fatal road crash while returning from the National Athletics Competition in Ogun State. Among the many voices expressing grief and demanding accountability is one of Kano’s foremost disability rights advocates, Engineer Abdul Haruna, who has penned a powerful condolence letter to Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, speaking not only from a place of empathy but also from personal experience.
In the emotional letter addressed to the Executive Governor, Engr. Haruna described the incident as “heart-wrenching and deeply devastating,” noting that the young athletes represented the very hope and future of Kano State’s sports sector. Their journey to Ogun had been a noble one — showcasing their talents, representing the state with pride, and pursuing dreams that were sadly extinguished too soon.
“These were not just athletes,” Haruna wrote. “They were sons and daughters, dreams in motion, symbols of Kano’s potential on the national stage. Their lives were filled with hope, commitment, and boundless energy for sports development. It is a loss that leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of their families, their coaches, and the entire state.”
The fatal accident, which also left nine others injured, has sparked an outpouring of grief from across the country. Condolences have continued to pour in from both government officials and citizens, but Haruna’s message struck a particularly poignant chord.
As a person living with a spinal cord injury resulting from a previous road accident, Engr. Haruna’s reflection came with a heavy dose of personal pain and deep empathy.
“I know what it feels like to have one’s life changed in a moment due to a road mishap,” he noted. “That’s why this tragedy resonates even more deeply with me and the disability community in Kano. Our hearts break for the families and for those still battling with injuries in hospitals. May Almighty Allah grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort to their families.”
A Call to Action Beyond Condolences
While offering heartfelt condolences, Haruna did not stop at mourning. He used the moment to challenge the government to take concrete steps to prevent such disasters in the future.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his swift and compassionate response but urged the administration to go further by institutionalizing safety policies for all state-sponsored travel, especially those involving youth, athletes, and vulnerable groups.
“Let this not just be another moment of collective grief that fades away with time,” Haruna implored. “Let this be the spark that ignites a lasting change — a renewed commitment to safe transport, athlete welfare, and the creation of a support system that does not end with medals and national appearances.”
He also highlighted the need to improve emergency response systems, equip state vehicles with proper safety measures, and provide insurance coverage for athletes and government-sponsored delegations.
A Community in Grief, United in Resolve
In the wake of the tragedy, Kano State has declared a period of mourning, with black ribbons and lowered flags symbolizing the collective pain of a people whose brightest stars were lost in a preventable calamity.
For the Kano disability community, the tragedy is both personal and communal — a reminder of shared vulnerabilities and the need for inclusive, proactive governance.
“We mourn together. We pray together. But we must also act together,” Haruna concluded in his letter.
As tributes continue to pour in, Haruna’s voice adds a layer of urgency and depth to the growing calls for systemic change. His powerful message echoes across a state in mourning and stands as a clarion call for justice, compassion, and a safer, more inclusive future for Kano’s youth and athletes.
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