Customs Probe Katsina Accident

James Emejo in Abuja

The Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has ordered a holistic investigation into the fatal road accident involving one of its operational vehicles which recently claimed about eight lives in Katsina State.

The NCS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Attah, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, adding that the move was aimed at preventing a reoccurrence of the unfortunate accident.

The lives were reportedly lost and others injured after a patrol vehicle of the NCS last Monday rammed into a crowd in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

The Customs, while regretting the incident, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to “show understanding of the situation and offer words or actions that can help heal those in pains,” adding that “human actions cannot always keep society accident-free.

“As a service, our hearts and prayers go to the families of the bereaved and those in hospitals.”

Attah said the staff of the Service remained deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident that resulted in the death of fellow Nigerians and injuries to others.

He said: “As a responsible government agency, we are mindful of the duty of care imposed upon us to ensure the safety of our citizens.

“Unfortunately, our efficiency is sometimes undermined by unanticipated failures in our equipment as in this case, which was caused by break failure resulting in the death of eight fellow Nigerians and injuries to others at the border town of Jibiya, Katsina State.

“NCS shares in the pains of losing these compatriots, and extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate families of the deceased, the government and the people of Katsina State.”

He added that the Service was doing all it takes to get the best treatment possible for the injured, adding that it will do what it could to ameliorate the pains of those who lost their loved ones.