Match Official Shot Dead, Three Others Abducted During Football Tournament in Manyu
By Vera Ngum
A football tournament in Aja Ayukndip Village, Eyumojock Subdivision, Manyu Division of the South West Region descended into chaos on Sunday after armed men stormed the playing field, shot a match official dead and abducted three others, according to an eyewitness.
The eyewitness, an amateur footballer who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attack occurred about 25 minutes into the match.
“About 25 minutes into the match, we suddenly saw several motorcycles arriving at the field. Moments later, armed men entered the pitch, and everyone was thrown into panic,” the witness told CNA.
He said the attackers separated the match officials from players and spectators before questioning them.
“They immediately took all the match officials aside and ordered the rest of us to sit down. During a conversation with one of the officials, we suddenly heard gunshots,” he said. “He was shot several times and died on the spot, while three other officials were taken away by the armed men.”
The witness said information gathered after the attack suggested the deceased official, Agbor Peter, was a former Ambazonian fighter who had left the armed group years ago and had since returned to civilian life, working as a football match official. CNA has not independently verified that claim.
The footballer expressed gratitude for surviving the incident.
“I thank God that I escaped with my life. My condolences go to the family of the deceased, and I pray for the safe return of those who were taken away,” he said.
