Oyo Customs condemns report linking officers to alleged killing at ERUWA community

• Allegation of killing against Customs false, misleading – Says PRO, Mr Wey

(Report by Udeme Clement):

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has condemned in strong terms the online report linking its officers to allegedl killing of two individuals in Eruwa community during the just concluded Local Government Elections in Oyo State.

Speaking on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), of the Command, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASCI K WEY, described the report as false, misleading and the hand work of mischief-makers, who do not want peace and mutual relationship between the Service and host communities.

His explanation: “Attention of the Command was drawn to online reports by Livetimesng.com, Goalpoachernews.com and Oyonews.com.ng alleging that Customs Personnel killed two individuals in Eruwa community during the just concluded Local Government Elections in Oyo State.

” A careful review of intelligence gathered indicated that there was a clash between political supporters of candidates, which led to destruction of properties and possible loss of lives as being reported, but wrongly linked to Nigeria Customs”.

The PRO pointed out; “The Service had nothing to do with the unfortunate situation. Contrary to the claims in various reports, no Customs personnel or vehicle was sighted during and after the election process at the scene of the incident.”

He emphasised; “For the avoidance of doubt, our officers are identified by their official uniform and uniquely coloured operational vehicles while performing our statutory duties. The vehicle in question at the scene of the incident was reported to be a White Toyota Hilux pickup, which is not for the Nigeria Customs .

“While the motive for the linkage of the Service to the story remains unknown, we are stating clearly that Customs personnel were not there and could not have been involved in a political crisis.

“Therefore, we urge members of the public to desist from spreading false news that is capable of breaching peace. This dangerous false narrative should be ignored”.

His assertions:
“The Service remains committed to the course of Nation building by discharging its statutory functions of suppressing smuggling, revenue generation and facilitation of legitimate trade in tandem with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004.”

Recall that Oyo/Osun Command under the leadership of Comptroller A. R. Abdulkadir, made impressive performance in its operations in the last few months, with a whopping sum of N15.9 billion revenue collected from February 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021.
Also, within the same period, the Command made seizures of dangerous drugs, smuggled petrol, 3,311 bags of foreign rice and other items worth over N134.5million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

The latest report on activities of the Command shows vividly that Comptroller Abdulkadir and his enforcement team have been working assiduously to curtail illicit trade in his area of coverage.