Footballer, 18, killed by kidnappers after family unable to pay ransom

The football world is in mourning after a promising young player was brutally murdered by kidnappers when his family couldn't afford to pay his ransom. Cheikh Toure, an 18-year-old Senegalese footballer, was tragically killed on Saturday, with the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of Senegal confirming his death after his body was discovered in Ghana.

According to local reports, Toure was lured into a trap by a group of armed extortionists who deceived him into believing he was attending a trial for a professional club. The gang then took him hostage and demanded a ransom from his family for his release. Tragically, his family were unable to raise the funds and he was subsequently killed by the group. An investigation has now been launched by Senegalese authorities in collaboration with Ghanaian police.

A spokesperson from the Ministry expressed their "deep compassion to the grieving family" and assured that the investigation was being treated "with the greatest attention and priority". They also issued a stark warning to clubs, supervisors and parents to "exercise extra caution in the face of unverified offers of tests or transfers abroad".

In addition, they advised young athletes in Senegal to "always go through official circuits and obtain information from the sports authorities before any trip". Toure had been training at the Esprit Foot academy in Yeumbeul, who have expressed their profound sadness at his untimely passing.

The academy's leaders have also urged for close cooperation between the Senegalese and Ghanaian authorities to clarify the exact circumstances of the tragedy and repatriate his body to Senegal.

A joint taskforce between Senegalese and Ghanaian authorities has been created and Toure's body is currently in the process of being repatriated to Senegal.