Tragedy struck in the Obada Idi-Emi area of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Ogun State, on Monday, November 25, when a clash between Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers and suspected smugglers resulted in the death of an onlooker.
The violent confrontation, which began with gunshots, sent residents into panic. A stray bullet struck a man identified as Kazeem during the chaos, leading to his untimely death.
Hammed Oloyede, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun Area 1 Command of the NCS, confirmed the incident. According to him, the officers were acting on intelligence about a smuggling operation involving bags of foreign rice.
Oloyede explained that a surveillance team, initially tracking a Mazda 323 vehicle loaded with 50kg bags of imported rice, attempted to intercept it. When the driver realized he was being followed, he abandoned the vehicle and fled.
“While transporting the seized rice to the government warehouse for documentation, the intercepted vehicle broke down in Obada town. Due to the volatile nature of the area, the team leader instructed that the rice be transferred to an official patrol vehicle,” Oloyede stated.
However, the operation took a violent turn when hoodlums attacked the customs officers during the transfer. A confrontation ensued, forcing the officers to retreat to ensure their safety. One customs officer sustained injuries during the altercation.
Oloyede assured that investigations into the incident have commenced.
