According to a news report from Independent, the media centre of Kwara State Stadium has once again fallen victim to suspected burglars, highlighting a concerning trend of rampant vandalism at the sports facility.

The latest incident reportedly saw the theft of air conditioners, ceiling fans, electrical sockets, and wiring circuits, valued at millions of naira. This setback disrupts the ongoing intensive renovation efforts by the state government to transform the stadium into a thriving sports hub.

In its bid to revitalise the stadium, the state government has invested in multibillion-naira renovation, reconstruction, and modernisation projects, encompassing indoor sports halls, handball, squash, and tennis facilities.

The attack has prompted widespread concern among critical stakeholders in Kwara's sporting community. The Kwara State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) expressed dismay, noting that such vandalism has sadly become a recurring occurrence.

The media centre, recently renovated by the state government ahead of ongoing leagues, has now become a target for thieves, observed SWAN. In a joint statement signed by Chairman Ayodeji Ismail and Secretary Dare Kuti, SWAN called for heightened security measures within and around the stadium to safeguard not only the facilities but also the interests of businesses, athletes, and spectators.

“SWAN is disturbed with the frequent vandalisation and stealing of items and tools at the media centre of the state’s stadium complex.

“The development is a huge set back to the stadium media equipment”, the statement read.

SWAN Called on relevant stakeholders and concerned authorities to, as a matter of urgency, improve security around these critical infrastructure in the stadium to justify the huge investment of the state government.