Anti-smuggling: Ogun Traditional Rulers Accuse Customs of Extra-Judicial Killings
Monarchs in Ogun state have accused the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of extra-judicial killings in the state.
The monarchs under the umbrella body of Yewa Traditional Council and made up of 40 traditional rulers alleged that the killings were in the border towns of the state.
In a statement, the leader of the traditional rulers, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewa land, claimed that customs officers were in the habit of killing innocent citizens in the pretence of going after smugglers.
Part of the statement reads: “We are saddened by the spate of harassment, maiming and killings of our people in Yewa communities and Ogun State by men of Nigerian Customs Service under the guise of pursuing smugglers or raiding of shops where smuggled items are kept.
“In the killings on Monday, 21st January at Owode-Yewa, Ogun State, five persons were killed and many injured in an irresponsible raid on the community. “Regrettably, the Nigerian Customs Service, through the Public Relations department rushed to the Press to cover up their atrocities by claiming one person lost his life as if the life of one person means nothing to them.”
The monarchs also said they are being harassed by the customs operatives who claim that the vehicles they use are smuggled
The monarchs appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and Director-General of the Department of State Security Service, Alh Yusuf Bichi to intervene over the development.
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