Soccer fan shot by police in Northern Nigeria

A high-profile Nigeria league match between champions Kano Pillars and Heartland was abandoned on Wednesday after police shot a fan at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, northern Nigeria.

"The match was called off after Heartland refused to continue the game after a fan was shot in the foot by police inside the stadium and the fans protested," Pillars media officer Idris Malikawa disclosed.

"The fan was said to have done something illegal - he has been rushed to hospital."
The match was goalless after half an hour before this incident.
"Pillars fans would have to be commended for the way and manner they comported themselves during the problem," said Malikawa.

"The situation was brought to normal but Heartland refused to continue for fear of their safety despite assurances from the match officials."
However, Heartland media officer Cajetan Nwokpara gave a different account, saying some home fans invaded the pitch.

"Our match was inconclusive because some home fans invaded the pitch with knives, cutting the net and trying to remove the goal post after they had done so with the corner flags," he said.

"I don't really know what caused this. We were escorted to our hotel by the security and everybody in our team is okay."

Interestingly the same fixture last season also ended in controversy after Heartland claimed they were manhandled by their home fans after they managed a 1-1 draw in Kano.

SIna Kawonuse shot by unknown gunmen

Unknown gunmen yesterday  shot the Managing Director  of Nigerian Compass, Mr. Sina Kawonise and his police orderly.

Kawonise who was Commissioner of Information during ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel’s tenure, was reportedly attacked by the gunmen around Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State  on his way back from Awka, Anambra State.

According to a statement by media aide to Daniel, Adegbenro Adebanjo, the gunmen  opened fire in order to force his vehicle to stop.

“The attackers were, however,  repelled by his two police orderlies. In the ensuing gun battle  Mr. Kawonise  was shot in the leg by the attackers while one of the two policemen also suffered gunshot wounds.

“The armed attackers later fled the scene while Mr. Kawonise and the wounded policeman were evacuated to a nearby hospital. Doctors treating the duo said they were stabilizing.