Fear and uncertainty have gripped the sporting community in Benue State after the Benue Buffalos Handball Team survived a violent ambush along the Otukpo Enugu road. The team was returning from the Ardova Premier Handball League in Lagos when the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday.
According to accounts from players who endured the ordeal, their journey had been smooth until armed assailants suddenly emerged from the surrounding bush. The attackers, armed with rifles and machetes, fired gunshots into the air to force the team bus to stop. The situation became more frightening when the driver stepped out and was immediately stabbed in the leg.
Players reported that they were ordered to lie on the ground while the gunmen searched them one by one. Their belongings were taken, including mobile phones, cash, team jerseys, sports shoes, a JBL speaker and other valuables. Some of the stolen devices reportedly contained personal and professional information, causing further concern among the victims.
The attackers then attempted to lead the players deeper into the bush. Many of the victims feared that they were about to be abducted or harmed. Several players described those moments as the most terrifying experience of their lives.
Relief came when soldiers arrived at the scene. Their presence forced the attackers to run into the surrounding forest. However, the robbers escaped with everything they had stolen, taking advantage of the darkness and the thick vegetation.
In the aftermath of the incident, traumatised players have called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and the Nigerian Handball Federation to carry out a full investigation and assist in recovering their stolen property. They stressed that as official representatives of the state at national competitions, they deserve better protection and improved logistics.
The players also complained about the condition of their official Benue State Sports Council bus. The old and poorly maintained fourteen seater vehicle was carrying eighteen passengers at the time of the attack. One of the victims said that the faulty door made it harder for them to escape and may have worsened the danger they faced.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This attack has renewed concerns about insecurity on major highways in Nigeria. Travellers on routes connecting Benue and neighbouring states continue to face frequent incidents of robbery, kidnapping and violent assaults.
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