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…Only 2 people died -Customs, Police
From Segun Olatunji, Abeokuta
NO fewer than six persons were feared killed at Oke-Odan in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, in a clash between smugglers and operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Three children were also said to be among the dead victims.
Daily Sun gathered that customs operatives were pursuing some suspected smugglers driving in two vehicles loaded with rice from Igolo, a border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic, and heading towards Sango in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when the incident occurred.
Some eyewitnesses said the customs operatives had seized the vehicles and were driving them back to Idi-Iroko before they were ambushed by some suspected smugglers.
The clash between the suspected smugglers and the customs men reportedly led to the death of three children, a roadside mechanic, a panel-beater and a secondary school leaver, simply identified as Ade.
The dead victims and other injured persons were said to have been caught in the crossfire between the customs men, who had reinforced, and the suspected smugglers.
While confirming the incident, both the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi and Customs Command Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, however, said only two persons lost their lives in the shoot-out.
Abubakar said three of their officers sustained injuries during the attack by the smugglers, adding that three of their check points were burnt down.
“Two people have been confirmed dead. Our officers were attacked by smugglers on their way to Idi-Iroko office after seizing two vehicles loaded with rice at Ajilete.
“The smugglers had guns, cutlasses, axe and broken bottles and stoned our officers with a view to recovering their vehicles with the contraband; and, in the process, they injured three officers.
“We had to call for reinforcement from the military and police before we could escape from the smugglers. They burnt down three of our check points”.
The PPRO said the command was aware of the clash between the customs men and the suspected smugglers.
He further said only two casualties were recorded in the clash and disclosed that the alleged mastermind of the incident, identified as Oke Gbenro, has been arrested.
“As at now, we have recorded two people confirmed dead and we have taken their corpses to a public morgue for autopsy and for proper investigation,” the PPRO said.
