Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia escaped bandits attack by whiskers when the bus conveying players and officials to Umuahia were saved from entering the lions den by some security personnel.

The Warriors were on their way back from Gombe State, after honouring a Matchday 36 encounter of the NPFL against Gombe United.

On approaching a military check point at the Otukpo/Enugu road in Benue State, the Warriors and other road users were flagged down by some military personnel who yelled at them to park, informing  them that some bandits were on the prowl just a few metres away.

The Warriors and other fear-stricken road users had to scamper for safety and take refuge at a nearby military check point.

Gunshots could be heard from where they were, as fear and panic were written on the faces of women and children. 

Calls were made to relatives for fervent prayers, while the strong encouraged the weak.

A few hours later, a joint  military operation of the Nigerian army and the police saved the day.

Some kidnapped  passengers of a hummer bus that was intercepted by the bandits were rescued by the Nigerian joint security forces but unfortunately, the bus driver was shot dead by the bandits.

There was no time to ascertain the true nature of events, as the military had  asked all road users to leave the scene immediately.

At the moment, the Pride of Umuahia are still on their way back to Umuahia.