How football fans were robbed at Lagos viewing centre

Police in Lagos have launched a manhunt after eight armed men, who stormed a viewing centre around Ilaje, Volkswagen area, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, robbed viewers of their money and valuable items in the process....For More CONTINUE THE FULL READING▶▶

An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Mr. Uche, while narrating the incident to Vanguard, said the event happened during the second half of the match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Bafana Bafana of South Africa, last Wednesday.

According to Uche who resides close to the viewing centre, there were about six armed men, on black hooded, mainly to shield their identities.

It was gathered that the armed men, numbering about eight invaded the viewing centre to rob unsuspecting football lovers.

He added that three members of the gang took strategic positions outside while the remaining were operating inside collecting valuables at gunpoint from everyone.

Uche narrated, “I think it was during the second half of the match between the Super Eagles and South Africa. I was coming to buy foodstuff across the road close to the viewing centre.

“I noticed three men outside the centre, in a very suspicious move. What triggered my curiosity was that the three men covered their faces in black hooded tops.

“On instinct, I carefully retreated from the spot to raise the alarm to other residents to come to the rescue.

“But I could not mobilise early enough. After carrying out their operations, the robbers, while attempting to flee the area, started shooting sporadically into the air to scare away any possible aggressor and later escaped on their get-away motorcycles, leaving the area in chaos.

“It was after they have disappeared into thin air that the Policemen and other security operatives arrived, but could not achieve anything positive as the invading armed robbers have long gone.

“I learnt that incident which lasted for about 20 minutes, has been reported at the Police Division in the area for further action. I believe the suspects are the boys in the area that’s why they covered their faces. No outsiders could be that bold in such audacious operation.

“The victims who were visibly shaken lamented that the armed invaders made away with huge amount of money, expensive mobile phones, tablets, among other valuables.”

As at press time, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached for response, as repeatd calls made to his phones were not pick up.

Sanwo-Olu sets up mega viewing centre for residents at Onikan

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has set up a mega viewing centre at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Ivory Coast final match coming up tomorrow, February, 11, by 9 pm.

The Government has 25 viewing centres all over the state to encourage and ensure that residents enjoy the thrills and entertainment that the unifying game of football avails the teeming population both young and old.

The 2023 AFCON started on January 13, 2024 and Nigeria has not lost any match.

Onikan Stadium, Lagos (now Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the first stadium in Nigeria) is designated Mega Viewing Centre. The kick-off is 6pm.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement on Saturday, while wishing the Super Eagles the best by defeating their opponent, said; “Lagos, being the sports capital and the base of the largest supporters of the Super Eagles, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deemed it fit to provide an opportunity for all fans to watch the match.

“Mr. Governor expressed the hope that the national team will triumph in the match because the team has so far shown capacity and technical know-how to win.”

Nigeria has been crowned AFCON champions three times, finished second on four occasions and came third place eight times.

Apart from the Mega Viewing Centre at Onikan, other centres are located in: Agege Stadium, Abesan Sports Centre, Alimosho LGA Secretariat, Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA Secretariat, L.A. Primary School, Layeni, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Anglican Primary School, Aradagun, Badagry.

Other include: New Road Primary School, Ajegunle, Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium, Coker-Aguda, Surulere, Epe Recreation Centre, Sprite Court, Festac, Igando-Ikotun LCDA Secretariat, Onisabe of Igbobi’s Palace, Jibowu, Alajede’s Palace, Ijede, Oba’s Palace, Ijegun, Ikorodu Town Hall, APC Party Secretariat, Ketu.

Also listed as viewing centres are: Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos, Lagos House Car Park, Marina, Mushin Public Library, YMD Garden, Ojo, Olera Football Pitch, Ojokoro Housing Estate, Afolabi Primary School, Oshodi, Papa Playing Field, Oworonsoki and Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba.

Lagos govt gives health advisory to Nigerian fans

However, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has released some health tips to Nigerians and football enthusiasts ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, Final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the host,

Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, February 11, in Abidjan, the Capital.

This has become necessary following the deaths of some Nigerians recorded, attributed to High Blood Pressure, HBP, during the last Super Eagles’ match with Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the Semi-Final of the competition on Wednesday night.

The health advisory was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Saturday, while wishing the Super Eagles resounding victory in the final match.

The statement read in part; “The Lagos State Governmen wishes all residents an exciting AFCON final as we support the Super Eagles to victory tomorrow evening.

“Residents are advised to prioritize their health and well-being while enjoying football matches or any other intense activities. Here are some essential tips for citizens: Know Your Limits: Understand your physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.

“Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Crowded poorly ventilated hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fueled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game.

“Take Regular Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. This can also help maintain alertness and prevent fatigue.

“Maintain Good Posture: Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.

“Stay Calm and Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and emotions during intense moments in the game.

“Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarize yourself with the location of medical facilities and emergency exits at the venue, and know how to access help quickly if needed. Contact the Lagos Emergency Medical Team, LASAMBUS, at 767 or 112 toll-free line in case of a medical emergency.

“We also urge viewing centers to ensure that venues where football matches are watched have adequate medical facilities and trained personnel on hand to respond swiftly in case of emergencies. This can make a significant difference in outcomes.