Gunmen assault Sunshine Stars, causing injuries to players and officials
On Thursday, unidentified gunmen targeted the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure while they were traveling along the Benin-Ore Expressway.
The assailants opened fire on the team bus as it headed to Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where they were set to participate in Match Day 13 of the Nigeria Premier Football League against Bendel Insurance FC of Benin.
Reports indicate that among the casualties of the attack were the team manager, Mr. Seun Betiku, and another team official whose identity remains unconfirmed at the time of reporting. The severity of their injuries is yet to be disclosed.
The Media Officer of the team, Mr. Michael Akintunde, officially confirmed the incident through a statement.
He expressed deep concern and sadness, informing the public, particularly football enthusiasts, about the unfortunate attack.
According to Akintunde, several players and officials sustained injuries during the ambush. The incident occurred while the team was en route to honor a crucial league match against Insurance of Benin, scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
The extent of the injuries and the overall impact on the team’s participation in the scheduled match remain uncertain.
“Our ball boy suffered gunshot wounds in the dreadful attack, and both our team manager and several club officials, including players, sustained severe injuries.
The intervention of Federal Road Safety Corp officers proved crucial in rescuing the injured individuals and transporting them to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”
However, when approached for comments, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, asserted that the incident had not been officially reported at any police station in the state.
She stated, “Upon hearing about the incident, I contacted the DPP of the Ore Division, and he informed me that no such incident was reported at the station. It is possible that the incident did not occur within the jurisdiction of Ondo State.”