The fans of Lobi Stars Football Club were left in shock as some of the players were attacked during a training session at the Government Model Secondary School Pitch in Makurdi, Benue State.
There were rumors on social media, with some netizens accusing the club’s management of orchestrating the attack, allegedly as punishment for players who are suspected of selling games, particularly a recent game against Abia Warriors. Some others speculated that the attackers could be cultists or angry supporters who were frustrated by the team’s poor performance this season.
Residents have told our reporter that the attack might have been instigated by angry supporters disgruntled with the club’s recent performances.
One of the witnesses, who preferred anonymity, named Haruna, narrated that he arrived at the training ground exactly when the attack occurred. He narrated how thugs were attacking the players and threatening to chase some of them out of Makurdi. He recounted how some players were locked inside the team bus with windows shut for 30 minutes as punishment.
Responding to the attack and implications of management involvement, the club’s Media Director, Emmanuel Uja, issued a statement denying involvement in the attack. He dispelled allegations that Lobi Stars’ leadership had hired thugs to attack its own officials and players.
The unsavory incident has elicited an outrage from the fans and further fuelled concerns about the developments in the club.
