Tension gripped Oko-Afo in Badagry on Monday evening after officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, accompanied by soldiers, allegedly shot and killed a resident while pursuing a commercial bus suspected of conveying three bags of smuggled rice.
The tragic incident, according to multiple eyewitnesses, occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. near Oko-Afo Bus Stop beside Oyobo Filling Station.
Eyewitnesses who spoke exclusively with Badagry Today alleged that the Customs officers abandoned the officially approved checkpoints and chased the commercial bus into a nearby street after its occupants reportedly attempted to evade arrest.
According to the witnesses, the officers stopped their patrol vehicle and allegedly opened fire indiscriminately in an attempt to apprehend the suspected smugglers.
In the ensuing chaos, a resident who was said to be walking out of the street was allegedly struck in the chest by a bullet. He reportedly collapsed on the spot and died shortly afterwards.
A witness who claimed he helped rush the victim to a nearby hospital told Badagry Today that medical personnel allegedly declined to attend to him before he eventually died from the gunshot wound.
The eyewitnesses further alleged that a Hausa trader operating a kiosk beside Oyobo Filling Station was also hit by a stray bullet. The victim reportedly sustained a severe injury to his arm, which witnesses claimed was fractured, and is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Badagry.
Another resident was also said to have sustained injuries during the incident, bringing the total number of casualties to three.
The shooting sparked panic in the area as residents and commuters fled for safety amid the sound of gunfire.
A family source of the deceased told Badagry Today that the matter has been reported at the Morogbo Police Station.
According to the source, police officers advised the family to deposit the body at a morgue to allow for further investigation. However, the family insisted that the deceased should be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
As of the time of filing this report, the family said the body was still lying inside the commercial bus that had been chased by the Customs officers, as efforts to resolve the impasse continued.
The incident has once again raised concerns among residents over the use of firearms by security operatives during anti-smuggling operations in populated communities. Community members are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and for those found culpable to be held accountable.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Nigeria Customs Service on the incident were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
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