Katsina: Custom denies crushing teenager to death

The Nigeria Customs Service has denied any role in the death of a child at Katsina State's Jibia Border Area on Saturday.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the service's National Public Relations Officer, made the announcement in a statement on Monday.

However, he conveyed the service's heartfelt sympathies to the deceased's relatives.

According to neighbours, the youngster was killed on Saturday in Jibia by a driver of a commercial vehicle who assumed that he was being chased by customs authorities. A resident stated that the driver of the van was anxious when he noticed the officers.

The villagers claimed that the driver of the J5 Peugeot van rammed into pedestrians near Tundun Wada Primary School in Jibia, killing the youngster in the process.

Although several people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the disaster was caused by the presence of customs officers in the neighbourhood.

However, in response to this, Maiwada stated that it is critical for the service to clarify what occurred.

"Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short,”

The NCS spokesperson said that no officer drove the ill-fated car on the said date.

“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 Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated,” he said.

According to him, “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 revealed that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in police custody pending further investigation,”

Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, emphasised in the statement his steadfast commitment to developing peaceful community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties.

Adeniyi also asks citizens to follow government orders and work with law enforcement to keep the country safe and secure.

"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,” Adeniyi concluded.