Two youngsters have been hit by stray bullets during a
confrontation between customs men and petrol smugglers at Seme border in
Lagos State.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), two boys – Hunsu Taiwo
(12), and Ganjo Henry (10), were playing in Sokenu Compound of Seme when
they were hit by customs bullets on Friday.
The injured victims, however, survived after receiving treatment at the Customs clinic at Seme border.
Confirming the incident, Customs Spokesman in Seme, Hussaini Abdullahi,
said the two boys were hit by stray bullets at the back and ankle.
Abdullahi said that the incident happened during a confrontation with
smugglers who were trying to smuggle petrol to the neighbouring Benin
Republic.
“On Friday, July 3, at about 5 p.m, a joint patrol team of command,
based on credible intelligence went on an operation along with Seme
Carpenter village and identified a hideout used by some unpatriotic
elements to stockpile petrol for onward smuggling to the Benin Republic.
“To evacuate the said item from the scene, some unscrupulous elements
launched a vicious attack and aggressively advanced towards the scene of
the seizure with assorted dangerous weapons with a desirous effort to
set the place ablaze.
“Considering the volatility of the seized items and the fact that all
efforts short of using force to halt the mob from advancing towards the
scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use
their firearms to defend themselves and avoid the envisaged catastrophe.
“However, verifiable information later received indicated that two young
innocent boys were injured by stray bullets at back and ankle,” he
said.
The customs spokesman said the boys were rushed to Customs clinic for
proper medical intervention and fortunately the result came out with no
major damages.
“This gave room for prompt treatment of the patients at Customs facility
and were consequently discharged strictly based on medical advice.
“On this note, the command wishes to register its unreserved displeasure with this unfortunate incident.
“As a responsible and responsive service, we are working round the
clock to partner with the family by providing all the necessary support
to cushion the effect of this tragedy,” he said.
Abdullahi, however, said the renewed hostility by smugglers and their
accomplices would never be a distraction in discharging its statutory
responsibilities.
He promised that smugglers would always meet there waterloo with no breathing space in Seme command.
