The Nigeria Customs Service has denied reports that its operatives’ vehicle killed a teenager in the Jibia border area of Katsina last Saturday.
Reports emerged on Monday that a 14 year-old-boy named Mushin Ibrahim was killed on Saturday when a bus being chased by officials of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) rammed into bystanders in Jibia, Katsina State.
The incident occurred at about 11am around Tudun Wada Primary School, Tashar Huraira, Jibia.
The Customs officers, according to eyewitnesses, ran away from the scene after the incident without rendering any form of assistance to the victim.
But Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller General of Customs in a statement on Monday denied the allegations.
According to him customs operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident.
The service however sympathised with the family of the deceased, while noting that preliminary reports suggested that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in police custody pending further investigation.
“Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 03, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.
It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle. The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers ten states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated.
“We wish to clarify that our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers. Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.
“The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.
“The CGC reiterates his unwavering commitment to fostering harmonious community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties. He also urges public members to adhere to Government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.
“In this moment of grief and loss, we appeal for calmness from all stakeholders. We deeply appreciate the ongoing cooperation extended by the Border communities as we work together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all,” the statement read.
