By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is currently in mourning over the tragic passing of one of their operatives who was fatally attacked by an enraged mob at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in Dankama area of Katsina State.
The victim, Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna, was killed by the mob while discharging his duty on the morning of Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
It was gathered that Haruna and his a team of officers attached to Katsina Area Command attempted to intercept a truck loaded with goods suspected of illegal movement outside the country.
However, the driver of the truck refused to stop for a routine check when beckoned to do so by the operatives, and in response Haruna allegedly fired gunshots at the moving truck, killing one of the passengers on board.
Consequently, the mob reportedly went after him even as he ran into a nearby building to seek refuge, and lynched him.
Tahir Balarabe, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed Haruna’s death: “A mob action at one of our outposts led to the killing of one of our personnel earlier today while in the line of duty,” he said.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, while extending his and the entire NCS fraternity’s heartfelt condolences to the family of CA II Auwal Haruna, vehemently condemned the senseless act of violence that led to his untimely demise, and assured a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident to ensure justice is served.
