Players of Taraba FC on Thursday protested the failure of the state government to pay their one year salary arrears, saying it had brought untold hardship on them and their families.

The players, who blocked the entrance of the Government House, threatened to continue the protest until all their entitlements were paid.

The Team’s Captain, Kamil Sale, said the protest was the last resort since the government had failed to redeem its pledge to pay the salaries.

Sale said: “They promised to pay our one year salaries in instalment but it did not happen.

“The last time we received something was last year when they paid for two months and since then, no allowances, no bonuses.

“I think we should be commended for finishing fourth in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One last season in spite of our predicaments.”

Wakin Katu, the Taraba Queens Captain, said both the male and female teams had reached out to some clerics and politicians to intervene in the mater but their efforts failed.

Katu said: “We are tired of empty promises from the Taraba State Government.

“Do you know that our players drink garri on the pitch as food because of hunger?”

When contacted, the Sports Commissioner, Gambo Ndafro, said efforts were being made to pay the players their entitlements.