Two youngsters were reportedly hit by stray bullets on Friday during a confrontation that ensued between men of the Nigeria Customs Service and petrol smugglers at Seme border in Lagos State.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria reported, the two boys name Hunsu Taiwo, 12, and Ganjo Henry, 10 were playing in Sokenu Compound of Seme when the incident happened.
It stated that the injured victims survived the shot after receiving treatment at the Customs clinic at the Seme border.
It quoted the Customs Spokesman in Seme, Hussaini Abdullahi, confirming that the two boys were hit by stray bullets at the back and ankle.
It said, Abdullahi also confirmed that the incident happened during a confrontation with smugglers who were trying to smuggle petrol to neighboring Benin Republic.
“On Friday, July 3, at about 5p.m, a joint patrol team of command, based on credible intelligence went on an operation along Seme Carpenter village and identified a hideout used by some unpatriotic elements to stockpile petrol for onward smuggling to Benin Republic.
“In an effort to evacuate the said item from the scene, some unscrupulous elements launched a vicious attack and aggressively advanced towards the scene of the seizure with assorted dangerous weapons with a desirous effort to set the place ablaze.
“Considering the volatility of the seized items and the fact that all efforts short of using force to halt the mob from advancing towards the scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use their firearms in order to defend themselves and avoid the envisaged catastrophe.
“However, verifiable information later received indicated that two young innocent boys were injured by stray bullets at back and ankle,” he said.
The customs spokesman said the boys were rushed to Customs clinic for proper medical intervention and fortunately the result came out with no major damages.
“This gave room for prompt treatment of the patients at Customs facility and were consequently discharged strictly based on medical advice.
“On this note, the command wish to register its unreserved displeasure with this unfortunate incident.
“As a responsible and responsive service, we are working round the clock to partner with the family by providing all the necessary support to cushion the effect of this tragedy,” he said.
Abdullahi also noted that the renewed hostility by smugglers and their accomplices would not in any way be a distraction for the NCS in discharging its statutory responsibilities.
It added that Abdullahi said smugglers would always meet their waterloo with no breathing space in Seme command.
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