Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna, who was killed on Wednesday in Katsina State by suspected smugglers, lost his brother about two weeks ago.

The officer was lynched by suspected smugglers after he shot one of them. Haruna and his team had reportedly flagged down some vehicles conveying suspected smuggled items but the drivers refused to stop, forcing him to pull the trigger.

It was learnt that his mother collapsed on hearing the news of his demise, a second loss in two weeks.

Reacting to the killing of the officer, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the deceased officer hailed from Katsina.

Maiwada said: “The boy (Haruna) is the eldest in the house. According to the family, they lost his brother two weeks ago. His corpse is yet to be delivered, and yet this one happened yesterday (Wednesday). The mother collapsed and was rushed to the hospital due to the trauma,” he said.

Recounting what happened, he said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) expresseed deep sorrow in announcing the tragic passing of Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna and that the unfortunate incident occurred at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in Dankama area of Katsina State on the morning of April 17, 2024.

“The melee was triggered when a team of customs officers attached to Katsina Area Command attempted to intercept a convoy of over 50 vehicles transporting goods suspected of illegal movement outside the country.

“Haruna and his fellow officers exhibited remarkable courage in their duty to thwart these audacious economic saboteurs. Their actions sparked a confrontation with an enraged mob who viciously attacked and fatally assaulted CA II Auwal Haruna. He has since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Kayawa, under the Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire NCS fraternity extend heartfelt condolences to the family of CA II Auwal Haruna. The CGC also vehemently condemns the senseless act of violence that led to his untimely demise and assures a comprehensive investigation into this tragic incident to ensure justice is served,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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