A Nigerian Customs Service patrol van, on Monday, crushed seven people to death and left 14 others wounded after losing its brakes along Jibia-Kauran Namoda highway in Katsina State.
Gide Dahiru, chairman of Jibia People’s Forum, confirmed that the incident occurred in Jibia council area around 9:30am.
“We could not confirm what actually caused the over speeding that led to loss of control by the customs but six people died on the spot while one died while being rushed to the Orthopedic hospital Katsina, the remaining 14 who sustained injuries are presently on admission at the same hospital,” Dahiru said.
He explained that the customs officers ran into the bush for safety, after the vehicle was set ablaze by an angry mob at the scene of the incident before the arrival of security personnel who brought the situation under control.
Daily Trust quoted a resident, Usman Kabir, as saying that the Customs’ patrol vehicle and another vehicle used by smugglers were on top speed when the driver of the patrol vehicle lost control and run over people, killing six instantly.
However, Dalha Wada Chedi, the Acting Controller, Katsina Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, claimed that the incident occurred when some operatives of the Border Drill went to Jibia to buy some food.
“It is really unfortunate. We had to use our cordial relationship with the communities, the police, military and other sister security organizations to bring the situation under control.
“From the report we received so far, five people died and others are receiving treatment in the hospital. Those of our men involved are currently with the police and investigation is already ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind the incident,” he added.
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