The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is not involved in the alleged destruction of lives and property following the local government election in Oyo State as insinuated by online reports.
In a statement the NCS noted that although there were clashes between political stakeholders no Customs personnel or vehicle were seen in the vicinity of the election venues.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to online reports by Livetimesng.com, Goalpoachernews.com and Oyonews.com.ng alleging that Customs Personnel had killed two (2) individuals in the Eruwa community during the just concluded Local Government Elections in Oyo State.”
“A careful review of intelligence gathered indicates that there was a clash between political supporters of candidates which led to the destruction of properties and possible loss of lives as being reported but wrongly linked to the Nigeria Customs Service; as the Service had nothing to do with the unfortunate situation.” Contrary to claims in various reports, no Customs personnel or vehicle was sighted during and after the election process; and at the scene of the incident. For the avoidance of doubt, our officers are identified by their official uniform and uniquely coloured operational vehicles while performing our statutory duties. The statement read.
According to the NCS, the vehicle in question at the scene of the incident was reported to be a White Toyota Hilux pickup which does not belong to the Nigeria Customs Service. “While the motive for the linkage of the Service to the story remains unknown, we state clearly that Nigeria Customs Service personnel were not there and could not have been involved in a political crisis.”
The statement urged members of the public to desist from spreading false news capable of breaching the public peace adding that the Nigeria Customs Service will remain committed to Nation building by discharging its statutory functions which include; suppressing smuggling and revenue generation in tandem with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 of 2004.
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