By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The players of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi have been allegedly attacked by hoodlums while training in Makurdi.

An eyewitness disclosed that the players and their handlers narrowly escaped after the hoodlums numbering over 50 attacked them on the pitch of Government Model School, Makurdi.

Though no reason could he readily adduced for the action of the attackers some have attributed it to the poor run of form of the players in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

According to the eyewitness, “the players were attacked by the hoodlums who were obviously out to harm and injure them. But they hurriedly fled the pitch and ran into their waiting official bus.

“The hoodlums did not stop there, they continued to abuse the players and when they ran into the bus the hoodlums locked them in the bus threatening to deal with them. Some members of the management made frantic effort to save the situation.

“One could not understand why they decided to attack the players. If they claim that the team is not doing well in the league, will attacking the players change the situation?”

Reacting to the development, the management of the club in a statement by its Media Director, Emmanuel Uja condemned the incident and also denied having a hand in it as being speculated on social media.

The statement read, “the attention of the Board and Management of Lobi Stars Football Club has been drawn to misleading and disturbing allegations circulating on social media, insinuating that the club’s leadership sent thugs to attack its own players and staff during a training session at Government Model Secondary School Pitch, Makurdi.

“This baseless accusation is not only false but also utterly illogical. What possible gain would the Dr. Philip Nongu-led Board derive from orchestrating violence against the very players they have tirelessly supported throughout the season?

“How can a management that has remained committed to the welfare of its players, ensuring that salaries and benefits are paid despite a less-than-satisfactory performance suddenly turn around to harm them? Such an insinuation is not only absurd but also maliciously fabricated to tarnish the image of the club.

“What transpired at today’s training session was simply a misunderstanding involving some youths in Makurdi, who sought explanations regarding the club’s performance.

“The situation, though unfortunate, was swiftly brought under control by the club’s Board and Management, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and progressive football environment.

“Lobi Stars is still actively competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup, and the management remains focused on ensuring that the team finishes the season on a strong note. It is, therefore, inconceivable that the leadership would resort to such a disgraceful act against its own players when unity and motivation are most needed.

“The public is hereby urged to disregard these false claims as nothing more than a desperate attempt to misinform and mislead. Lobi Stars Football Club remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and the collective progress of the team.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene could not be reached for comment.