Five feared killed as Customs vehicle ‘loses control’ in Kastina

Five persons in Katsina have been killed after a patrol vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Customs Service lost control in Jibia Local Government Area of the State on Monday.

The acting Controller of NCS in the state, Dalha Wada-Chedi, said the incident occurred when some operatives of the Border Drill went to Jibia to get food “but unfortunately lost control and crushed some people to death.

Although some online news media reported that the customs operatives were chasing rice smugglers when the incident occurred, the Customs boss insists that it was an accident.

It was gathered that during the protest that ensued, the Customs’ vehicle was set ablaze by the angry youths in the area.

“It is really unfortunate. We had to use our cordial relationship with the communities, the police, military and other sister security organisations to bring the situation under control.

“From the report we received so far, five people died and others are receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Those of our men involved are currently with the police and investigation is already ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind the incident,” he said.