Armed men attack Benue Handball Team on Otukpo road

Members of the Benue Buffalos Handball Team were attacked by armed men along the Otukpo Road shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 7, while returning from the Ardova Premier Handball League in Lagos.

According to Benue activist, Ukan, the team bus ran into an ambush moments after passing Otukpo.

The attackers, said to be armed with guns and machetes, shot into the air to force the vehicle to stop.

“The moment our driver opened the door, one of them stabbed him in the leg,” the player said.

“They ordered us to lie on the ground and searched us one by one. We were then led towards the bush. Everyone feared for their lives.”

The assailants reportedly stole mobile phones, jerseys, cash, sports footwear, a JBL music player and several personal items. Some of the stolen devices contain sensitive information belonging to team members and officials.

The victims said soldiers arrived while the robbery was still ongoing, causing the attackers to flee into the bush with the stolen property.

“If not for the quick arrival of the soldiers, we don’t know what else could have happened,” the player added. “But since it was night and the area was bushy, the robbers escaped with everything.”

The team described the incident as traumatic and called on the government and security agencies to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.

“We are the official Benue State Handball Team representing the state at the national level,” the player noted.

“We are begging the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and help us recover our belongings.”

The affected players include sports council staff, students, civil servants and a corps member. They said the losses have created emotional and financial stress.

“We’ve suffered quietly for too long. Sportsmen, especially those outside football, deserve better,” a spokesperson said.

As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Benue State Government or relevant security agencies.