FG sets up panel to investigate Abuja stadium violence

The Federal Government has set up a panel to investigate the violence that resulted after the Super Eagles game against Ghana’s Black Stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which was made available to our correspondent.

Irate fans went on rampage, destroying all within their sight after the game which ended in a 1-1 draw put paid to the nation’s aspirations to be part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar later this year.

The statement said Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, described the acts of vandalism as saddening and unacceptable.

“Nigerians must stop destroying government property. Anyone identified to be culpable in acts of vandalism at the National Stadium will be prosecuted by the Federal Government. This must stop. The willful destruction of government property across the country is unacceptable and must be condemned. While the failure to qualify is regrettable, the destruction is unacceptable and unjustified.

“I am giving this assurance that the necessary steps will be taken to deal with the issues that have led to Nigeria’s inability to qualify. All I am asking for now is patience from millions of Nigerians,” Dare said.

The panel members are: DIG Sanni Usman (Retd), who will serve as the chairman, while Dr. Henry Nzekwu will be the vice chairman, Navy Commodore Omatseye (Retd.) and Alhaji Abba Yola.

Others are the Director, Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, Mrs. Tayo Oreweme and veteran broadcaster, Mr. Mitchell Obi

Representative of the Director-General, Department of State Service (DSS) and that of the sports ministry Olumide Bamiduro are also in the panel, with Bamiduro serving as the secretary.

“The terms of reference for this investigative panel will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.