Customs boss orders probe into Jibiya fatal accident

The Comptroller-General (CG) of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (retd) has ordered an investigation into the accident involving an operational vehicle of the organisation, which killed eight people at the border town of Jibiya, Kastina State, on Monday.

Some customs officers were reportedly chasing rice smugglers when they ran into the victims leading to the death of some with many others injured.

Customs Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, in a statement, said it was an “unfortunate operational accident,” caused by brake failure.

He expressed the CG’s condolences, with a promise to ensure that those injured would receive the best medical attention.

The statement read in part, “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 brake failure, resulting in the death of eight fellow Nigerians and injuries to others at the border town of Jibiya, Katsina State.

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

“The Service is doing all it takes to get the best treatment possible for the injured and will do what it can to ameliorate the pains of those who lost their loved ones.

“Even though human actions cannot always keep society accident free, the CGC has already directed a holistic investigation into the incident with a view to preventing a recurrence of this unfortunate accident in the future.”