KATSINA: Customs Deny Involvement In Tragic Death Of Teenager In Jibia

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied any involvement in the death of a 14-year-old teenager, Muhsin Ibrahim, who was killed in a vehicle collision in Jibia, Katsina State on Saturday.

Contrary to some reports, the NCS clarified that none of its operatives were pursuing or intercepting the Peugeot J5 vehicle that reportedly ran over some bystanders, resulting in the teenager’s death.

The vehicle was said to have collided with another vehicle while transporting bags of soybeans to its destination.

In a statement on Monday, the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, extended condolences to the teenager’s family and community for the devastating and untimely loss of the young life.

The Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, also expressed his sympathy to the bereaved family and reiterated his commitment to conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties.

The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

“It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle.

“The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated.

“We wish to clarify that our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers.

“Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.”

The Customs GC was quoted as saying, “In this moment of grief and loss, we appeal for calmness from all stakeholders. We deeply appreciate the ongoing cooperation extended by the Border communities as we work together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all.”

In August 2021, no fewer than 10 people were confirmed dead and many injured after operatives of the Service rammed into a gathering while pursuing a suspected rice smuggler in the same Jibia town.