Newcastle and Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins mother Alhaja, 62 was killed when an oil tanker caught fire after colliding with a roadside barrier and exploded near her apartment in Lagos, Nigeria. The explosion killed 8 people.

While no explicit details have been released, Martins was released from Newcastle’s friendlies against Doncaster, Hertha Berlin and Real Mallorca this week and immediately left for Lagos, his agent Chris Nathaniel said.

“Oba has flown back to Nigeria on compassionate grounds to be with his family at what is a very sad time for them,” Newcastle said. “Everyone at the club extends their greatest sympathies to Oba and his relatives.”

Unfortunately this isn’t the first time Obafemi and his family seen this type of destruction in Lagos. In June of 2007 Martins was fortunate to escape death after gunman opened fire on his Mercedes at a gas station, injuring his passenger and friend. Martins was getting gas after driving from Niger for an African Nations Cup Qualifier.

image via DailyMail