Hoodlums attack, kill Customs officer at Ogun Command * Destroys patrol vehicles * As another officer sustains gunshot injury
Hoodlums attack, kill Customs officer at Ogun Command
*Destroys patrol vehicles
*As another officer sustains gunshot injury
By Udeme Clement :
It was a sad day yesterday for men and officers of Ogun – 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, as hoodlums, who took advantage of the end SARS protest attacked their officer while on official duty.
Our Correspondent gathered that the hoodlums trooped out in large numbers with dangerous weapons and attacked Customs officers who were just on their own carrying out their statutory functions.
While one officer was killed instantly, another sustained serious gunshot injury inflicted on him by the hoodlums.
What is most shocking about this unprovoked attack is the fact that Customs officers didn’t do anything wrong to warrant this inhuman treatment and killing.
Our investigation revealed that hoodlums, as well as smugglers within Idiroko axis, the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic are often in the habit of attacking and killing Customs officers doing their legitimate duty.
The reason being that these hoodlums sabotage government efforts in growing the economy, even as they see illicit trade as their birth right. As such, they see innocent officers enforcing government fiscal policies as their enemies.
Maritime stakeholders who heard of this unfortunate incident condemned the killing in strong terms, calling for proactive steps to prosecute the culprits.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSC HAMMED BUKOYE OLOYEDE, confirmed the sad incident.
His explanation: “On Tuesday October 20, 2020, at about 0945 Hours, some hoodlums in their large numbers armed with guns, machetes, axes, charms and other dangerous weapons attacked a Customs patrol base at Oke – Ore, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The hoodlums shot at Customs operatives, leading to the death of an Assistant Inspector of Customs, Solomon Alagye, on the spot.
“Another officer sustained gunshot injuries and is responding to treatment at the 192 Brigade Military Hospital Owode.”
He informed, “The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Agbara, in response to the distress information about the attack called for immediate reinforcements from Customs patrol teams, other security agencies including the Military and Police. Unfortunately, the intervention teams could not reach the scene on time due to road blocks mounted by EndSARs protesters.
“Aside from the fatal shooting of innocent officers, the hoodlums also damaged two Customs patrol vehicles and set another one ablaze. The hoodlums escalated the mayhem, as they looted all valuable items including Customs uniform at the patrol base.
These unprovoked attacks are coming on the heels of directives given by Comptroller Agbara to officers on the need to exercise caution and restrain themselves in all operations, in order to avoid chaos that may ensue due to the on-going EndSARS protest. While officers heeded this proactive call, unfortunately they were brutally attacked by some enemies of the State.
The Customs Area Controller while expressing his utmost dismay on this unfortunate development commesirates with the family and colleagues of the deceased Officer, who died gallantly in active service. He further prayed for recuperation of the injured officer.
Comptroller Agbara, who is focused and undeterred by the antics of smugglers and economic saboteurs has promised to ensure that the attackers and murderers of innocent Customs personnel must be brought to justice.
To this end, he called on parents, guardians and community leaders to caution their wards, to desist from attacking Customs officers.