The promising young athlete was lured to Ghana under the false pretense of attending a club trial before being taken hostage, officials confirm.
Senegalese football is in mourning following the tragic murder of 18-year-old rising star Cheikh Toure, who was killed by kidnappers in Ghana after his family failed to pay a ransom for his release.
Toure, who played for the Esprit Foot academy, was reportedly lured to Ghana by armed extortionists under the false pretense of attending a trial with a professional club.
Once he was taken hostage, the group demanded a ransom, but his family was unable to raise the necessary funds, leading to his death on Saturday.
Toure’s passing was confirmed by the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of Senegal. Authorities from both Senegal and Ghana have now opened a joint investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson from The Ministry offered its “deep compassion to the grieving family.” They added that the investigation was being carried out “with the greatest attention and priority.”
Officials have since strongly urged young athletes to “always go through official circuits and obtain information from the sports authorities before any trip.”