The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has debunked the news making rounds in some online media, alleging that its officers killed two individuals in the Eruwa community during the just concluded Local Government Elections in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday by the command spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, there was not even a single customs presence at venue of the elections.
He urged the general public to disregard the false narrative, describing it as hand work of those who do not want peace and mutual relationship between the Service and the host communities.
“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.”
