The Delta State Sports Commission has announced a ₦200,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect who attacked match officials following the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter between Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars on Sunday.

The incident occurred outside the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, where Warri Wolves played out a home draw against Kano Pillars. The commission described the attack as heartbreaking and condemned the violence directed at the match officials.

The reward was announced in a statement signed by the secretary of the Delta State Sports Commission, Henry Ukah.

According to the statement, the match officials had been safely escorted out of the stadium by security personnel after the game. They were already at the officials’ bus parked outside the venue when the assault occurred.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns about the safety of match officials, particularly after they have completed their duties and are leaving a stadium under security protection.

Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, said the ₦200,000 reward was intended to encourage members of the public to provide useful information that could help identify the suspect and facilitate an immediate arrest.

Oborevwori also reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on hooliganism and violence in football, stressing the importance of maintaining safety and discipline at sporting events.

The commission urged anyone with credible information about the attack to come forward and assist the authorities with their investigation.

Members of the public were specifically encouraged to provide relevant information to the Ughelli Area Command Police, where the case was reported.

The commission’s announcement signals its determination to ensure that those responsible for the assault are identified and brought to justice.

The incident has also renewed attention on the need to protect referees and other match officials, whose responsibilities are essential to the smooth conduct of football matches. Ensuring their safety before, during and after games remains an important part of preventing violence and maintaining order in the domestic league.

The Delta State Sports Commission hopes that the financial reward will encourage witnesses or anyone with relevant information to assist the police in identifying the suspect and securing an arrest.