2 persons escape death :
* As petrol smuggling syndicates attack Customs at Seme border
By Silas Onuoha:
Daily Business Update learnt that two teenagers were injured by stray bullets at Seme border axis, as petrol smuggling syndicates attacked Customs operatives on duty.
The Public Relations Officer of Seme Area Command, Mr HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI, confirmed the report.
He further disclosed that the attack took place at the Beach side of Carpenters Village within Seme Border community.
He informed, “On Friday, July 3, 2020, at about 17:00 hours, a joint patrol team of Seme Area Command based on credible intelligence went for an operation along Seme Carpenters Village, where they uncovered a hideout used by some unpatriotic elements to store Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, for unward smuggling to neighbouring Benin Republic.
“In effort to evacuate the said items from the scene, some unscrupulous elements launched a vicious attack against our officers.
“The smugglers aggressively advanced towards the scene of the seizure with dangerous weapons trying to set the place ablaze.
“Considering the volatility of the seized items involved and the fact that all efforts to halt the mob from advancing towards the scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use their firearms, in order to defend themselves and avoid envisaged catastrophe.
“However, verifiable information later received indicated that two innocent young boys were injured by stray bullets. ( Adomeh Henry, 10 years and Hunsu Taiwo 12 years)”.
“In veiw of the above development and the utmost priority by the Command to always protect and respect the sanctity of human lives/safety in every operation, the injured persons were immediately rushed to Customs Clinic for proper medical treatment.
“Fortunately, the result came out with no major damage. That gave room for prompt treatment of the patients at Customs facility and they were consequently discharged based strictly on medical advice.”
The PRO continued, “On this note, the Command wishes to register its unreserved displeasure about this unfortunate incident.
“As a responsible and responsive Service, we are working round the clock to partner with families of the victims, by providing necessary support to cushion the effect of this tragedy.”
“The renewed hostility by smugglers and their accomplices will never prevent us from discharging our statutory responsibilities.
“On the other hand, the dare-devil smugglers will continue to meet their waterloo, with no breathing space in Seme Area Command for them.”
