Senegal has been thrown into mourning following the death of 18-year-old goalkeeper, Cheikh Touré, who was allegedly lured to Ghana by fraudsters posing as football scouts.
Naija News reports that the Senegalese Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident, revealing that Touré was kidnapped shortly after his arrival in Ghana. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom from his family.
In a statement quoted by 3news.com, the ministry said, “The young footballer was deceived by fraudsters posing as football scouts. They kidnapped him and demanded a ransom from his family. Tragically, when the family couldn’t meet the demands, the kidnappers ended his life.”
The ministry described the killing as a devastating blow to the nation’s sporting community, calling for vigilance against criminal networks exploiting young athletes.
Authorities also issued a stern warning to football academies, coaches, clubs, and parents to be wary of unverified trial and transfer offers abroad.
The ministry said, “We urge clubs, academies, coaches, and parents to exercise extreme caution regarding unverified offers of trials or transfers abroad.”
Naija News understands that the development has seen the security agencies in Ghana and Senegal collaborating to investigate the killing and ensure those behind the crime are brought to justice.
