In a bid to demonstrate team spirit which the round-leather game represents, the Chairman of Benue State Football Association, Barr. Paul Edeh, on Saturday visited the officials and players of Lobi Stars as well as Abia Warriors in Lafia, venue of a rescheduled matchday 4 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Accompanied by the BSFA Secretary Dr. Iorngulum Malu and other officials, Barr. Edeh who first met with Lobi Stars players and team members at their camp while describing the killings by armed robbers in Otukpo, Benue State as horrific and bizarre, explained that the one day postponement of their match was in line with the mourning mood of the entire people of Benue state.
He then told the players to see the period as a time for sober reflection and re-dedication of their service to the club for greater success.
Recalling the lasting damages and ripple effects Friday October 20, 2023 massacre of over 10 persons including serving Policemen dumped on Otukpo and environs, the FA Leader who broke down in tears said, “All my life while growing up in Otukpo environment where I had my primary and secondary education I neither witnessed nor heard of such wicked happening in the area.
“How can innocent people who left their houses in search of daily bread be wasted like this? All because a few young men of the underworld thought it was necessary to steal the joy of many families away and bring our dear state to its knees after raiding up to five banks and murdering many people.
“I couldn’t sleep as I reflected on the extent of carnage brought upon a people for no reason whatsoever because an injury to one is an injury to all.
“I want to use this medium to thank the Chairman of NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for sympathising with us and agreeing that the match be postponed, despite what it will cost, as a mark of honour to the victims who died for no .”
In their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars Dominic Iorfa and Captain of the Club Daniel Atasaka thanked Benue FA board, and reckoned that the visit and support have spurred the team to put in their best at all times.
At Abia Warriors’ camp, Barr. Edeh, together with Iorfa and BSFA Secretary, thanked the club for their understanding and solidarity at this critical time of the state.
Responding, the Club Sporting Director, Emeka Ifejiagwa, and Head Coach, Erasmus Onu, sympathised with Lobi Stars, BSFA and the entire football family in Benue state.
The BSFA Chairman later announced donation of N1.2 million naira and branded balls to both Clubs as a way to cushion the effect of the postponed match.
The rescheduled NPFL game will be played today Sunday, October 21, 2023, as from 4pm at the popular Lafia Township Stadium.
