The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a Nasarawa United football fan who allegedly stabbed Plateau United player Vincent Temitope in the neck during a violent pitch invasion at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday.
Confirming the development in a brief interview with newsmen on Monday morning, the spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, DSP Rahman Nansel, stated, “The culprit was arrested, and he’s currently in custody for further investigation.”
The shocking incident occurred following a heated Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) clash between Nasarawa United and Plateau United, which ended in a 3-2 victory for the home side.
Despite the win, tensions escalated when a section of Nasarawa fans blamed Temitope, who scored a goal and missed a penalty, for nearly turning the tide in favour of Plateau United.
Eyewitnesses reported that security at the stadium was grossly inadequate, with fewer than 20 police officers deployed to manage a crowd of thousands.
This security lapse left players and officials exposed, making it easier for fans to storm the pitch at the final whistle.
“The atmosphere was tense throughout the match,” one spectator recounted. “Immediately after the final whistle, Plateau United officials rushed their players off the pitch, but it was too late — the crowd invaded and chaos erupted.”
Temitope was reportedly stabbed in the neck during the invasion and was quickly rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he received emergency treatment.
Plateau United’s Director of Media Operations, Yaksat Maklek, confirmed that the player is now in stable condition.
“He was treated immediately and is responding well. He is stable,” Maklek said.
This incident has reignited widespread concern about the recurring violence at Nigerian football venues and the inability of clubs and local authorities to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans.
Even more alarming is the fact that this attack came just days after the NPFL lifted a stadium ban on Nasarawa United supporters, which had been imposed due to a previous act of violence.
The ban had been lifted ahead of Matchday 12 against Akwa United, under the condition that the club would ensure improved security and fan conduct.
In a statement at the time, Nasarawa United’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, quoted a letter from NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, encouraging fans to support the team in an orderly manner. The club had pledged to collaborate with the state football association to uphold safety.
Police arrest Nasarawa United fan for stabbing Plateau United player
