KATSINA — The Katsina State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that Barau FC midfielder Nana Abraham was “slaughtered” by fans of Katsina United FC during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match on Saturday, calling the claims “entirely false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.”
The incident occurred shortly after Barau’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equalizer in their Week 12 away fixture at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The goal appeared to provoke some Katsina United supporters, and Barau FC later confirmed via their official X handle that the match was temporarily halted following an attack on Abraham.
While initial reports falsely claimed that Abraham had been killed, it has since been confirmed that he sustained a throat injury during the pitch invasion but was not “slaughtered.” He is alive and receiving medical attention.
Police stated that Abraham is safe and accounted for. “Preliminary investigations reveal that all players, staff, and officials involved in the match are safe,” said DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the command’s spokesperson. “There was no report of physical contact between fans and any player, staff, or official before, during, or after the match, thanks to adequate security arrangements.”
The NPFL has since reviewed the incident and sanctioned Katsina United for multiple infractions, including failure to control supporters, inadequate security, and allowing unauthorized individuals into restricted areas. The league fined the club ₦9 million and ordered them to play all remaining home games behind closed doors in Jos.
