Players of Lobi Stars FC were attacked by suspected cultists during their training session in Makurdi on Monday evening, in what appears to be a violent reaction to the team’s poor performance.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the training ground, physically assaulting some players and issuing death threats to senior squad members, warning them to stay away from Makurdi.
The attackers also locked the players inside the team bus with the windows shut for 30 minutes as a form of intimidation and psychological torture. However, team officials were reportedly left unharmed as they pleaded with the assailants to spare the players.
The shocking incident occurred just days before Lobi Stars’ crucial FA Cup match scheduled for Wednesday.
Authorities have yet to comment on the attack, but concerns are growing over player safety and the rising influence of violent groups in local football. Fans and football stakeholders are calling for urgent security measures to protect athletes from such threats.
