Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Saturday in Benin described the recent attack on Bendel Insurance Football Club players and officials as barbaric.
The Insurance players and officials were attacked by fans and officials of Remo Stars Football Club of Sagamu during a 2020/2021 Nigeria National League (NNL) match in Ikenne.
Obaseki, shortly after visiting the team’s five players and five officials who were hospitalised after the attack on them, said the attack was barbaric and not in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“You can not in a game maim the other players like this. I am shocked and disappointed, more than a week after the incident at Ikenne In Ogun.
“The managers of the league haven’t come up to spell out the appropriate sanctions with this type of horrific behaviour from the other side.
“As far as I am concerned, I don’t think we can continue with the league until the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) brings out those who injured our players.
“More importantly, they must also take interest in treating our players.
“And we want to see that the right thing is done with the league, this is the third time Bendel Insurance players are being attacked because of the league.
“It’s not war, it’s supposed to be a football match. We have to take legal action. The captain of our team was missing for over 24 hours, he was abducted,” the governor said.
Obaseki further said Bendel Insurance would suspend their participation in the league until NFF takes appropriate action.
Remo Stars FC, who were playing at home, were alleged to have allowed their supporters to beat up two Bendel Insurance players and Team Secretary, Charles Ihimekpan.
Other players of the team were reported to have escaped from the stadium by jumping over the fence.
The attack occurred during a Match Day 21 fixture in Group B2 of the 2020/2021 NNL.
