Tragedy struck in Plateau State on Tuesday, April 22, as four young footballers from Lebwit Football Club in Kanke Local Government Area and their driver lost their lives in a fatal road accident. The team was returning from a friendly match in Pankshin when the crash occurred.
According to reports, thirteen other passengers sustained injuries in the accident. Seven of them have since been treated and discharged, while six remain in the hospital receiving treatment. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
The deceased footballers have been identified as Chabe Gontul, Shikritda Giswa, Nenyitwe Gopar, and a corps member named Thomas, who hailed from Benue State. The identity of the driver has not been made public at the time of this report.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Plateau football community and beyond, as it claimed the lives of promising young athletes who were working hard to build their careers in football.
The General Manager of Plateau United Football Club, Habila Hoses Mutla, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He described the loss as a major blow to the state’s football scene and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured players.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all affected families and call on well-meaning individuals and institutions to support the ongoing medical care and recovery process,” Mutla said.
He also called for prayers and unity within the football community to help the survivors heal physically and emotionally.
Chairman of Kanke Local Government Area, Lapching Ezekiel Golime, also mourned the tragedy on behalf of the Plateau State Football Association and Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He assured the affected families of the government’s support and described the incident as a great loss not only to the local government but to the entire state.
“May their gentle souls rest in peace, and may God Almighty bring healing and comfort to the survivors, their families, and the entire Plateau football community,” Golime added.
Governor Mutfwang, through representatives, sent condolences to the bereaved families and called for increased support and attention to the safety and welfare of young athletes.
Road accidents have become a frequent cause of death across Nigeria, with many incidents involving public transport and poorly maintained roads. Young athletes, students, and workers are often exposed to risks during travel, especially on long journeys to competitions or training camps.
According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), thousands of lives are lost annually in road accidents, many caused by over-speeding, bad roads, and poor vehicle maintenance.
This tragic accident has reignited calls for better safety measures for local sports teams, including proper transport arrangements, insurance coverage, and road safety awareness.
Lebwit FC, a grassroots football club known for nurturing local talent, has been left devastated. Many of the players were seen as future stars who had the potential to rise through the ranks and represent the state or even the country.
