Three persons feared dead in clash between Customs, smugglers in Ibadan

By RAJI ADEBAYO, Ibadan

No fewer than three people including a Customs officer, military personnel and a civilian were reportedly killed when some men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) clashed with some smugglers in Igbo-Ora town in Oyo state.

It was gathered that the three persons died following a clash between Customs personnel from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, and smugglers on Thursday.

A resident who pleaded anonymity dislosed that shooting rented the air and in the process, gunshots hit the three persons among whom are a resident, a customs officer and a soldier.

The three persons died as a result of the gunshots they sustained while several other people sustained injuries during the clash.

Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of NCS in Oyo/Osun Command, Kayode Wey who said that he was aware of the clash, however, could not give details on the incident.

Wey when asked to State the position of Customs service, said he cannot confirm if anyone died during the clash, adding that he does not have official statement on the matter.

According to him, “Yes sir, I am aware. I have heard about the story from somebody as well but I can’t give confirmation about anything.

“You heard it the way I heard it. Even, a journalist has called me about this incident. And they said the same thing.

“I dont have any information. I cannot say anything concerning that matter, because, I don’t have any official statement on that.”.

Oyo State Police Command on Saturday, confirmed the death of a soldier during the clash.

The police while confirming the death of the soldier, said that it has commenced investigations into the clash that occured between customs officers and some suspected smugglers in Igbo-Ora town.

Fadeyi who confirmed the incident, however said that a lieutenant of Army died as a result of gunshots he sustained.

“Information further received revealed that smugglers attacked Federal Operation Unit, FOU Customs at Igboora.

“In a swift response to assist the FOU team, the Border Drill Patrol also came under attack and one Lieutenant of Nigerian Army Josiah Peter was shot and later died. An investigation has commenced, please.” (Saturday Independent)