Gunmen Ambush Benue Buffalos Players, Rob Handball Team on Otukpo

Members of the Benue Buffalos Handball Team have described a terrifying experience after armed attackers ambushed their official bus while they were returning from the Ardova Premier Handball League in Lagos.

The incident reportedly happened in the early hours of Friday along the Otukpo–Enugu road, when gun-wielding assailants intercepted the team’s vehicle and forced it to stop.

A player who witnessed the attack said the gunmen fired shots into the air before ordering everyone out of the bus. He also alleged that the driver was stabbed on the leg when he opened the door, before the assailants forced the players to lie on the ground and marched them toward a nearby bush.

The attackers reportedly made away with mobile phones, cash, team jerseys, sports shoes, canvases, a JBL music speaker and other personal items. Some of the stolen devices were said to contain important personal and professional information.

The situation only changed when personnel of the Nigerian Army arrived at the scene, prompting the gunmen to flee into the surrounding bush. Despite their escape, the attackers were able to get away with the stolen items due to the rough, bushy terrain.

The traumatised players have appealed to the Benue State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and help recover their belongings.

They also raised concerns about the condition of their team bus, which they said was old and faulty. According to them, the vehicle, designed as a 14-seater, was carrying 18 players at the time, and the faulty door made it difficult to escape during the attack.

As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for official comments.