Barau Jibrin Donates N22m to Families of Deceased Kano Athletes
By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has paid a condolence visit to the families of the 22 Kano athletes who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The visit took place on Tuesday at the Gwagwarwa Juma’a Mosque in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Senator Barau donated N1 million to each of the 22 bereaved families, bringing the total donation to N22 million.
“A Tragic Loss Felt Across Nigeria” – Barau Jibrin
Barau, who was accompanied by a delegation of dignitaries, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and described the loss as one that resonated beyond the immediate families.
“We are here to register our condolences over this tragic and devastating incident that led to the loss of our brothers,” he said.
“The loss is not only for their families or the sports community but for the entire people of Kano State and Nigeria at large.”
He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased, saying,
“May Allah (SWT) grant them Aljannatul Firdausi and give you all the strength to bear these irreparable losses.”
Community Leaders, Federal Officials Join Condolence Delegation
Barau Jibrin’s condolence visit was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included:
- Yusuf Atta, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
- Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, Managing Director, North West Development Commission
- Faruk Lawan, former member of the House of Representatives
- Prof. Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President
- Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Religious leaders and business figures
The Chief Imam of the Gwagwarwa Juma’at Mosque, Sheikh Adda’u Aliyu, as well as local leaders Usman Aliyu and Rabe Isyaku, received the delegation on behalf of the affected community.
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Community Thanks Barau Jibrin for Timely Intervention
Speaking on behalf of the grieving community, the Chief Imam expressed appreciation for Barau Jibrin’s visit and financial support.
“We are happy and excited that you have found time to come here and sympathise with us. This means a lot to us,” he said.
“We can always see your tremendous interventions and projects going beyond your Senatorial District. May Almighty Allah reward you abundantly.”
Special prayers were also offered for the souls of the deceased athletes, who were en route from a sporting event when the tragic accident occurred.
Public Reactions Mixed Over Compensation
While Senator Barau’s N1 million donation per family has been widely acknowledged, some members of the public have criticized the Kano State Government over what they describe as “minimal compensation” for the victims of a national sports tragedy. In contrast,Barau Jibrin’s intervention has been viewed by many as timely and empathetic.
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Related concerns were raised earlier in the week by sports stakeholders and prominent politicians, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who also expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
National Mourning for Promising Athletes
The deceased athletes were part of a promising contingent representing Kano in sports competitions. Their deaths have sparked national mourning and revived calls for safer transportation policies for young sports teams traveling across Nigeria.
The Minister of Sports Development had earlier joined in mourning the athletes and pledged a review of logistics policies for sporting delegations nationwide.
