The Kano State Government has announced that it would give N1m each to the families of 22 young athletes who died in a fatal motor accident on their way back from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as a way of supporting them.

This was disclosed by the state deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; during a condolence visit to Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, where the remains of the deceased were deposited, on Saturday.

He extended his visit to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where seven injured athletes are currently receiving medical treatment where he sympathized with them and promised them that the Government would do everything possible to see to their full recovery.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the people of Kano State, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them Jannatul Firdaus.

“It is a very sad day for us in Kano and for the entire country. These young men were returning from a national assignment, having represented Kano with distinction. Some were even returning with gold medals. Tragically, their journey was cut short just a few kilometers from home.

“We have already identified 20 of the victims here, while two others have been taken home by their families. The Governor has directed that the state government stand fully with the bereaved families and ensure that those injured receive the best medical attention.

The governor of the state, through his deputy also assured the families of the victims that they would also provide food items and other relief materials to help cushion the impact of the loss on them even as some of them prepare for the burial rites of the deceased ones.