Amuneke urges govt action after El-Kanemi robbery

Heartland FC technical manager and former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, has expressed his deep sympathy for El-Kanemi Warriors following an armed robbery attack on their team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday while the Maiduguri-based club was returning home after their Matchday 14 fixture against Ikorodu City in Lagos.

Players and officials of El-Kanemi Warriors were ambushed along the Jos-Bauchi road, where armed bandits attacked them, leaving several individuals injured and their personal belongings stolen. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the ordeal has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for their Matchday 15 encounter against Bayelsa United in Maiduguri.

In a statement issued through the club, Amuneke conveyed his heartfelt prayers for the injured players and staff, wishing them a speedy recovery.
“This is an unfortunate incident, and my thoughts are with the players and officials of El-Kanemi Warriors at this difficult time,” he said.
The former African Footballer of the Year also urged the Federal Government to prioritise repairing dilapidated roads and bolstering security to prevent similar incidents.

 “The safety of travellers, including our athletes, must be taken seriously. These armed bandits are creating a climate of fear, and it is time to act decisively to restore confidence on our roads,” Amuneke added.
El-Kanemi Warriors are the latest victims of an issue that has plagued Nigerian football in recent years: the safety of teams travelling for league matches. With many clubs dependent on road transport due to limited resources, the risks of long-haul journeys through poorly maintained roads have become a pressing concern.

The Jos-Bauchi road, where the attack occurred, has been flagged as a hotspot for banditry. Travellers on this route often face the dual threats of armed robbery and road accidents caused by deteriorating infrastructure.