One killed as hoodlums attack Customs formation in Ogun
By Abimbola Abdullahi
An Assistant Inspector of Customs, Solomon Alagye has been confirmed killed in an attack on Customs formation by angry mob in Ogun State.
The Public Relations Officer, Ogun Command of Nigeria Customs Command, Hammed Bokoye Oloyede confirmed to SlyNews that the officer was killed in the attack, while another sustained gunshot injury and currently responding to treatment.
Oloyede explained: “On Tuesday 20 October 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 the Customs personnels 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.
“The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Agbara in response to the distress information about the attack called for immediate reinforcements from Customs patrol teams and other security agencies including the military and the Police.
“Unfortunately, the intervention teams could not reach the scene on time due to the road blocks mounted by the EndSARs protesters.
“In addition to the fatal shooting of our officers, the hoodlums also damaged two Customs patrol vehicles and set another one ablaze. The hoodlums further escalates their mayhem and eventually looted all valuables items including Customs uniform in the said patrol base.
“These unprovoked attacks are coming on the heels of the directives of the Customs Area Controller to Officers on the need to exercise caution and restrain themselves in all operations to avoid chaos that may ensue due to the ongoing EndSARS protest. While officers heeded this proactive call, unfortunately the were brutally attacked by some enemies of the state” he said.
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 pray for recuperation of the injured officer.
He also promised to ensure that the attackers and murderers of the Customs personnel will be fished out and brought to justice.
The CAC also uses the opportunity to call on parents, guardians, community leaders and opinion-molders to caution their wards to desist from attacking Customs personnel.