The Niger/Kogi Customs Command has verified that two of its highly dedicated officers Customs Assistant Superintendent S. OHIREMEN and Assistant Superintendent of Customs, S.M OMALE are dead, even as another officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs HI OLADAPO, escaped with a gunshot injury, following an attack from bandits on Thursday 12th December 2019 at 2200Hrs.
Confirming that the Command was dealing with the loss, the Command Public Relations Officer, Lonba Benjamin noted that the team of patrol officers were ambushed and attacked by armed bandits along Lokoja-Okene road.
He, however, noted that though the injured officer was discharged, he was yet to be fit for active duty.
He also urged those who lose their cargo to anti-smuggling war, not to make war against officers but go to court.
“Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service are only implementers of Federal Government Policies, hence we urge every Nigerian citizen aggrieved toward losing his/her goods to engage the services of the Court rather than resort to violence and killing of family men who are the breadwinners of their families while serving their Nation.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, Niger/Kogi Command has continued to maintain close contact with the bereaved families.
“We are pained by the sad development and share in the grief of losing fellow officers, colleagues, brothers, husbands, fathers and the likes.
“We are and will continue to work with other sister agencies in identifying the armed bandits in connection to the attack on our officers and anyone found guilty will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, Lomba stated further.
As at the time of releasing this press statement, the officer has been discharged from the hospital and would be returning to work as soon as he is in full health.
ASC II OMALE was buried on Friday 13th December 2019 according to Islamic rights in Ayamba village of Kogi State and the Customs Area Controller- ABBA-KASSIM YUSUF, paid a condolence visit to the wife, children and family on Saturday 14th December 2019, during which he assured the family that the Service would deploy all necessary mechanisms to ensure the perpetrators of the evil act are brought to book.
The ASC I OHIREMEN is expected to be buried in his home town in Ondo State by January 2020.
