Kano 22: Grief-stricken sports fraternity counts losses

Kano State is in mourning. A monumental tragedy has struck — one so profound that words can scarcely capture the grief it has left behind.

In an unprecedented loss, 22 individuals — athletes, coaches, sports administrators and journalists — died in a horrific road accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the “Gateway Games” held in Ogun State from May 16-30.

The accident occurred at Yan Kifi Bridge in Dakasalle, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State and investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are still ongoing.

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What is, however, ascertained is that Kano has lost some of its brightest stars — individuals who were dedicated to their chosen sports, developing young talent and nurturing a thriving sports culture in the state.

The deceased were torchbearers of sport in Kano — mentors, role models and beloved figures who shaped generations. Their absence leaves a deep void, not only in the Kano State sports but also in the lives of countless young athletes they inspired.

As it was fated, the combat sports of kickboxing and wrestling at which the state won 3 silver and two bronze medals were some of the final events to be held at the games. So while others in the 250 men and women contingent of the state had returned, they were the last set of 32 individuals of 31 male and 1 female on the ill-fated bus. 

It would be right to say that the most affected in the tragic incident is combat sports where Kano is famous for always producing amazing martial art athletes. Among the deceased were iconic figures in kickboxing, boxing, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling:

Abdullahi Saleh “Trigger” – kickboxing coach

Aminu Muhammad – assistant coach

Shehu Saidu – boxing coach

Usman Muhammad – assistant boxing coach

Muhammad Aminu (Alaja) – assistant coach

Bello Muhammad – Wrestling Organising Secretary

Abdulaziz Auwalu – Judo Association Organising Secretary

Nasiru Abdullahi (Nas Moze) – Taekwondo Coach and Organising Secretary

These men were more than their titles. In neighbourhoods like Brigade area in Kano, known for producing martial arts champions, their loss will be deeply felt. They shaped dreams and instilled discipline in hundreds of youth, many of whom now grieve their mentors.

In an interview with Weekend Trust Sports, an athlete, Abba Adamu, 25, shared his heartbreak. “I moved to Kano because late Coach Alaja, whom I met at a generator repair shop, encouraged me.

“He said Kano had opportunities. I trained in Brigade with people like Sule Judo, Bello Judo, Coach Jamilu and Trigger. It’s hard to believe they’re gone. Coach Trigger was our vigilante head and a former West African champion. Nas Moze, our taekwondo coach, gave so much to us.”

Pausing, he added, “They always said: ‘Give your best. One day we won’t be here forever.’ I just never thought that day would come so soon.”

Among those lost were also promising athletes: Usaini Garba, Isah Usman Aliyu, Isah Ibrahim, and Sani Yusuf — all kickboxers and wrestlers – rising stars who lost their lives alongside their coaches.

Unfortunately, their hopes and dreams have been cut short, leaving Kano sports devastated.  An uncle to Usaini Garba who won a bronze medal in wrestling, while speaking to Weekend Trust Sports on behalf of the family and Usaini’s aged father as they received mourners said: “As a young and energetic young man, we lost him in the family when he was needed most.

“However, we thank the state government for its support in cash and food items. We also desire that the promise that those who won medals will be given employment would be fulfilled in another way.” 

Two media professionals also died in the crash: Ibrahim Salisu – Public Relations Officer, Kano State Sports Commission and Bilal Musa Jegus – Photojournalist and aspiring broadcaster. 

Their commitment to amplifying Kano’s sporting achievements was unwavering. Though most journalists had returned, they stayed to ensure continued coverage and support for the team.

Muzamil Dalha Yola, their roommate at the Babcock University hostel during the festival, recalled: “Ibrahim was always cheerful, choosing to stay with us journalists rather than commission officials. Bilal, who was respectful and passionate, was more than a student. He was an aspiring journalist, a gifted footballer and a videographer.”

Bilal had been mentored by broadcaster Salisu Jegus, who said: “He had so many dreams. Since I heard of his passing, I haven’t been myself.”

There is also the touching story of Bashir Bello Yar Gaya, a civil servant whose 35 years of service, was to elapse on the very day of the accident — May 31, 2025. As Basketball Secretary, though the basketball team didn’t qualify for the festival, Bashir volunteered to help with food services. One of his friends said: “He was humble and humane. As secretary of Kano Pillars Basketball in Kano, he oversaw its most successful era.”

Basketball Coach Bala echoed: “Bashir was always ready to support sports development. His death is a blow to Kano’s basketball family.”

Other Commission staff — Ashiru Shu’aibu, Hamal Dahiru, Abdurrahman Muhammad and Nasiru Adam, who lost their lives in the accident — were known for their dedication and love for sports. “Driver Abdulrahman was so respected that other ministries often requested him. He mentored Nasiru, and it was so devastating we lost both of them at the same time,” said a colleague.

The team’s medical staff will be remembered not just for their professionalism, but for their compassion and generosity. 

Dr. Abubakar Isma’il Yakubu’s death was particularly devastating. His wife gave birth to a baby boy just days after the tragedy – a friend revealed. 

According to one of the survivors, “He would have stopped in Kaduna to take an easier route to Rogo in Kano State where he hails from but decided to return to Kano to buy drugs for his community, knowing they needed him after his two weeks absence. When his dead body returned to Rogo, the entire town mourned profusely.”

Another, Imamumalik Umar, worked at Dala Orthopaedic Hospital, balancing roles as referee, physiotherapist and caregiver. “He had a way of making people smile,” said a friend, Sadiq Ilyas.

Dr. Abdusaamad , known as the “doctor for all sports,” gave his time freely, treating athletes even in small local tournaments. “Whether at Mahaha or Sani Abacha Stadium, he was there with his first aid box,” said an athlete. “He would even treat sportsmen at home and give health advice freely.”

A traditional ruler and one of the longest serving sports journalists in Kano, Alhaji Lurwanu Idris Malikawa, also described the loss as monumental.

The former Media Officer of Kano Pillars Football club, said “It will not be possible to replace people like Trigger, Nasiru and others who spent their resources to develop these sports but Allah knows best.”

Kano State finished 13th on the National Sports Festival (NSF), medals table with 6 gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals — a respectable showing but no doubt a less than satisfactory outing going by the potential of the state in sport.

As the state mourns, one painful truth echoes through the sorrow. The vacuum the untimely demise of the athletes, officials and sports journalists has created can never be filled but their legacies will surely endure.