Abiel’s Death Was Shocking, Says Elder Brother

Elder brother of late Bayelsa United central defender, Abiel Tabor has described the demise of the player as a huge shock to members of his family.

The Bayelsa United captain, who could also play in a holding role, was gunned down by armed robbers on June 14 just close to five hours after he lifted the Nigeria Premier League trophy for the first time in his career.

But his elder brother, Ebi, said the death of Abiel came as a shock to members of the Tabor family because they had watched him lift the trophy on television few hours before reports reached them that he had died in an hospital in Warri.

“At first I thought that it was a joke when we were informed that our brother dies on the same day he lifted the trophy for his club. But later it dawned on us that he had truly died when another of our brother who was with him called to inform us. I was shocked because I watched him on television lifting that cup. Till today I am still shock because it is as if it has never happened,” Ebi said.

Abiel was laid to rest in Odi local government area of Bayelsa State where he hailed from last weekend.

Ebi Tabor also revealed how his late younger brother had planned to celebrate if his club won the Premier League trophy.

He recalled that the late Abiel was looking forward to playing in the CAF Champions League next year with the 2008/2009 Premier League champion with the hope of making it become one of the clubs to win the club tournament.

“Abiel was often telling me that his career will soon go on the rise by the time Bayelsa United won the title. He called me after Bayelsa United won the title and I didn’t know that was the last time I would speak to him. He was so hopeful that he would do well in the CAF Champions League next year but all that has ended now,” said Ebi.

The burial arrangement for the Bayelsa United captain was earlier fixed for July 3 but had to be shifted to last weekend due to CAF Confederation Cup engagement of his club.

In honour of Abiel, Bayelsa United engaged an All-star Premier League side in a match in Yenagoa and won by a lone goal.

Chairman of the club, Victor Bari Bote Rumson, has assured the family of Abiel that he would be paid all of his entitlement.