Again: Hoodlums attack Customs Command in kwara State *Exchange gun fire
Again: Hoodlums attack Customs Command in kwara State
*Exchange gun fire
*As officers sustain gunshot injuries
By Udeme Clement:
It took the gallantry efforts of Customs operatives and Army officers to save Nigeria Customs Command in Kwara State from being razed down by hoodlums, who attacked the Unit in large numbers.
In fact, the doggedness and resilience of Customs officers, as well as Army personnel in Kwara State averted what would have been a major disaster, if the Command had been over-powered by hoodlums.
Our investigation revealed that the hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons were allegedly sponsored by die-hard smugglers to unleash mayhem on the Command, under the guise of End-SARS protest.
The Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Command, CHADO ZAKARI, who confirmed the barbaric act informed;
“On Friday, October 23 2020 at about 1630hours, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command came under attack by hoodlums with an obvious intention of looting, setting the Command and government properties ablaze.”
He went on, “The hoodlums came in large numbers, armed with guns, machetes, axes, charms and other dangerous weapons with an attempt to unleash mayhem on the Command.
“The Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Ahmed Hussaini Bello (fsi), who was still in office at the time of the attack called for immediate reinforcement from the Nigerian Army.”
He pointed out, “On the other hand, all efforts by the CAC to address the hoodlums to douse the tensed atmosphere at the Command’s gate proved abortive. Officers were left with no option than to respond appropriately to spontaneous attack unleashed by the hoodlums.”
His assertions, “Unfortunately, 40 minutes exchange of gun fire led to serious injuries sustained by two of our officers, who are now responding to treatment in our health facilities.
“It is important to state that 24 motorcycles and tricycles meant to move goods out of the Command were seized during the encounter.”
He warned, “To this end, the Customs Area Controller seized this opportunity to call on parents, guardians, community leaders, Religious leaders and opinion-molders to caution their wards on the dangers of extreme illegality and anarchy.
“The Command will do everything humanly possible within the ambit of the law to protect government properties and ensure that peace prevails against all odds.
” It is important to reiterate that Customs officers only implement government Policies in the overall interest of national growth and development.
“Therefore, hostility by hoodlums and their accomplices will never be a distraction in discharging our statutory responsibilities.”