The Oyo/Osun customs command has denied killing people at the just concluded local government election at Eruwa, Ibarapa east, Oyo State.
According to a news report by Oyo Affairs, the claim was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Oyo/Osun Command spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey. He also added that Customs operatives were not present at any of the election venues.
In the statement, he urged members of the public to ignore “the false narrative” stating that the claims were made by those who want conflict between the operatives and the communities they operate in.
In his words: “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 vehicle in question at the scene of the incident was reported to be a White Toyota Hilux pickup which is not for 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.”
“Therefore, we urge members of the public to desist from spreading false news that is capable of breaching peace.”
“Nigeria Customs Service will remain committed to the course of Nation building by discharging its statutory functions of suppressing smuggling, revenue generation and facilitation of legitimate trade in tandem with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004.”