The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has debunked report in some online media, alleging that its officers killed two individuals in Eruwa community during the just concluded Local Government Elections in Oyo State.
The command’s spokesperson, Kayode Wey, in a statement issued on Monday, said there wasn’t a single customs presence at the venue of the elections.
He, therefore, 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 NCS and the host communities.
The document reads in part, “A careful review of intelligence gathered indicates 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.”
It stated that customs “officers are identified by their official uniform and uniquely coloured operational vehicles” when performing their statutory duties, adding that “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.”
The document further reads, “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 the peace.”
The customs also restated its commitment 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, Cap C45 LFN 2004.
