APC chieftain condemns alleged killings by Customs operatives in Ogun

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ogun State, HonourableAbdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade has condemned the alleged killing of a secondary school student by men of the Nigeria Customs in Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State last Saturday while calling on the state government to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the lives of the people of the state.

Akinlade, in a statement made available to journalists, said: “A situation where a trained officer points his gun in anger and shoots at harmless bystanders in broad daylight simply because someone threw an object at him is
condemnable to say the least”, Akinlade said.

Akinlade noted that the Nigerian nation is boarded by 105 Local governments in 21 States and that the relationship between Custom officers and residents of such communities dated back forever, he, however, questioned the
highhandedness of the men of the Nigeria Customs in Ipokia Local Government of  Ogun State.

He further stated that these continuous killings must be placed squarely on the steps of the Ogun State government. He was of the opinion that the laws of the country were clear on the rules of engagement and use of fatal force by
arms-carrying personnel.

“The Saturday, 28th of March 2020 killing by men of the Nigeria customs in Agosasa is needless and will continue unless the government of the day in Ogun State stands up to its responsibilities of protecting its citizens and residents alike, until every life counts regardless of where you come from, only then will this madness cease.

 “The roles of our courts are also clear and by extension, the rights of every citizen to be heard by a competent court of jurisdiction and must be found guilty of an offence before he or she is punished. To this end, no person or institution under any guise has the right to take someone’s life.

“I expect the State’s Attorney General to petition the Federal government and at the same time institute a case against the officers responsible for this killing and by extension the Nigeria Customs Service. We deserve to be protected because of our rights to life”, he added.

Akinlade had since sent a delegation to the families of the deceased and those injured. He further condoled with the people of Ogun state at large.

“My dear good people of Agosasa and by extension Ogun State, l once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those that have lost loved ones, God bless us all.”