By Sylvanus OBASI, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been thrown into deep sorrow and state of mourning following the unfortunate death of a Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna who was lynched in Katsina state on Wednesday morning.
PLATFORM REPORTERS gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in Dankama area of Katsina State in the morning of Wednesday when a team of customs officers attached to Katsina Area Command attempted to intercept a convoy of over fifty vehicles transporting goods suspected of illegal movement outside the country.
According to a press statement by Customs, Haruna and his fellow officers exhibited remarkable courage in their duty to thwart these audacious economic saboteurs. Their actions sparked a confrontation with an enraged mob who viciously attacked and fatally assaulted CA II Auwal Haruna.
Haruna has since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Kayawa, under the Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina state.
However, other sources said that the truck was conveying passengers to Dankama town when customs officials tried to stop it, but the driver refused to stop.
One of the armed customs officers was said to have pulled the trigger and a bullet allegedly hit one of the passengers in the waist. The truck driver eventually stopped, and the passengers disembarked to confront the customs officers, pouncing on the shooter.
According to reports, the passengers eventually killed the customs officer, whose name and rank was later identified as Auwal Haruna, a Customs Assistant 11.
The victim of the customs shooting, identified as Bashir Na-Buzuwa, was said to have also died from the gunshot wound.
Na-Buzuwa, who was said to be about 27 years old and a native of Doro town in Bindawa LGA, was a resident of Zanguna in Katsina city.
Meanwhile the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire NCS fraternity extend heartfelt condolences to the family of CA II Auwal Haruna. He also vehemently condemns the senseless act of violence that led to his untimely demise and assures a comprehensive investigation into this tragic incident to ensure justice is served.
The CGC underscores the perilous challenges officers face in their daily mission to safeguard the nation’s borders. Under his stewardship, he assures that the NCS stands firmly united with the fallen officer’s family during this period of profound grief.
Adding that the NCS remains steadfast in its efforts to combat illegal activities such as smuggling, prioritizing Nigeria’s border integrity while ensuring the safety of citizens and dedicated customs personnel.
