Injured Kano Pillars Return Home

THE Players and officials of Kano Pillars in the ill fated journey that was truncated due to an armed robbery attack along the Abaji-Lokoja road have safely returned to their base in Kano.

  The Guardian checks early Friday morning at the Federal medical Center Lokoja revealed that the players with minor injuries were treated and discharged on Thursday, but three others in critical condition were moved Friday morning to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for proper attention.

  The robbery incidence left five players of the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League champions’ with injuries of various degrees.

  The contingent of 25, including 18 players, were attacked by bandits at about 1pm on their way to Owerri to honour Saturday’s league opening game against Heartland, which has now been postponed.

  The team’s five injured players – Gambo Mohammed, Otepka Eneji, Adamu Murtala, Rueben Ogbonnaya and Ekpai Moses – were treated and had x-rays to check the extent of their injuries at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.

  Following their discharge on Thursday evening, the team lodged at the Decency Hotel, Lokoja.

  It was gathered that the injured players departed the Kogi State capital at 7:30am and arrived safely in Kano at about 3:30pm yesterday in order for the injured players to continue their treatment, according to an official.

  The chairman of the Kogi State Football Association, Uma had indicated that arrangements were already made for the team to be hosted by the state governor Idris Wada before their sudden departure yesterday morning.

  According to him, they are happy no life was lost in such an unfortunate incident. “We already visited them on Thursday at the hospital and hotel to ensure they have comfortable and cheering stay. We even had concluded plans to have the governor host the team, but they left as early as possible today,” 

  The robbery incident had happened immediately after the military checkpoint in Abaji community around 1pm.

  The source within the camp said the robbers who robbed them of all their money and valuables also shot at some of the players and officials.