Lafia, Nigeria – A local football match escalated into violence on Sunday when a player from Plateau United was attacked and stabbed by supporters of the opposing team, Nasarawa United, in a shocking incident that highlighted ongoing security issues in Nigerian sports venues.
The match, which took place at the Lafia Township Stadium on April 13, 2025, ended in a 3-2 victory for Nasarawa United. Despite the win, the home supporters targeted Plateau United player Vincent Temitope, who had scored a goal and was involved in a penalty during the game. His performance seemed to have incited some fans, who later stormed the pitch in a violent outburst.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that there were fewer than 20 police officers on duty at the time, a number insufficient to manage the thousands of fans in attendance. This lack of adequate security allowed some armed fans to converge on the field and reach the players, leading to the attack on Temitope.
“The tension was palpable from the start of the match with threats coming from the stands. After the match concluded, the situation worsened rapidly,” one of the sources described. The underwhelming security presence was quickly overwhelmed as fans flooded onto the pitch.
Yaksat Maklek, Plateau United’s Director of Media Operations, confirmed that the attack was a direct consequence of Temitope’s impressive and provocative performance during the game. He was promptly taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia for emergency treatment following the stabbing. “He is now stable and recovering,” Maklek added, providing some reassurance about the player’s condition.
This violent outburst is part of a troubling pattern of fan violence at NPFL (Nigerian Premier Football League) games. Just one week prior to this incident, Nasarawa United supporters were conditionally allowed back into the stadium after a previous suspension due to similar misconduct. Despite promises of enhanced security measures and disciplined fan conduct, these commitments were evidently not upheld.
The recent violence at the Lafia Township Stadium has reignited nationwide concern over the safety of players and officials at sports events in Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for stricter security protocols and more robust enforcement at sporting venues.
Following the incident, the Nasarawa State Police Command has indicated that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the breach of security. Meanwhile, Nasarawa United and the local football authorities have pledged to reinforce security arrangements to prevent future occurrences.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Nigerian football league, emphasizing the necessity for all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating a safe environment for sports in the country. As the NPFL continues to grow in popularity, ensuring the safety of its players and fans must be a priority to preserve the integrity and appeal of the game.