Nigeria News

Four killed as angry mob set Customs vehicles ablaze in Sokoto

Four persons were killed and six others injured in an accident that involved three commercial vehicles along Sokoto-Illela road.

The fatal accident occurred on Sunday morning at a checkpoint mounted by personnel of the Nigerian Customs Service, at Asara, along Illela border command in Sokoto state.

Angered by the loss of lives, mob subsequently set ablazed two vehicles belonging to officials of the Nigerian Customs Service, who were allegedly fingered to have caused the accident.

An eyewitness, who narrated the incident to our correspondent, said the affected vehicles- two Toyota Avenses and a Golf Salon – collided while trying to evade a stop and search of the Customs officials at the checkpoint.

The source said, “One of the drivers suspected to be carrying rice and vegetables oil from Illela end of the border, in an attempt to evade arrest, eventually ran into a customs checkpoint located at Asara village.

“They (customs) obstructed the driver in a bid to stop the vehicle for a search and that caused the driver to lose control. The car ran into an incoming vehicle and had a head-on collision while the other car coming from behind, crashed into the two.

“Four persons were confirmed dead on the spot in two of the vehicles while no fewer than six people sustained various injuries during the accident.

The injured persons were later taken to Gwandabawa General Hospital for medical attention.”

The development, according to the eyewitness, angered the nearby villagers who set ablaze two vehicles belonging to the customs officials.

“It took the intervention of the men of the Nigerian Army who were drafted to the scene to prevent further attacks against the customs’ facilities in the area,” said the source.

An official of the Sokoto state command of the Nigeria Customs Service, who spoke to our correspondent, described the incident as unfortunate.

The Custom source who preferred anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to press, added that two vehicles belonging to the Customs service were burnt by the mob.

“The officials were only carrying out their legitimate duties by preventing the entrance of contraband into the country as stipulated by the extant laws. It is unfortunate that the mob carried out an attack against them,” said a Customs official.

 

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

17 hours ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

17 hours ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

17 hours ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

17 hours ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

17 hours ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

18 hours ago