Three feared killed as Customs, Tokunbo dealers clash in Kwara

Three persons are feared killed, when men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and motor dealers, who deal in imported second-hand (Tokunbo) cars, engaged themselves in a gun duel at Bode-Saadu area in the Moro local government council in Kwara state.

The Nigerian Tribune also gathered that three other persons who sustained varying degrees of fatal injuries during the exchange of gun shots, were currently receiving medical treatment at one of the private hospitals in the town.

Eye witness accounts told journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday that the situation was greeted by pandemonium as residents of the town ran for their dear lives during the attack.

It was also gathered that the motor dealers were said to be coming through illegal routes from Cotonou, Benin Republic, when they met the men of the NCS who had reportedly laid an ambush for them.

Upon citing the men of the customs, the sources said that the motor dealers decided to speed off so as to evade arrest, the action which apparently prompted the men of the customs to give them a hot chase.

During the encounter, men of the customs were said to have been opening fire on the motor dealers while they were also said to have been retaliating.

Sources added that, during the gun duel, three persons were said to have been hit by the bullets while about three others were also said to have sustained serious injuries.

Although, there was unconfirmed report that, out of the three that feared killed in the attack, a customs’ officer was among them.

Contacted yesterday, the state police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ajayi Okasanmi who confirmed the incident said that, the incident happened on Monday evening at Bode-Saadu in Moro local government council of the state.

He said that the incident was between the men of the NCS and motors dealers who were coming from Cotonou.

The police spokesperson, who said that three persons sustained injuries during the exchange of gun fire, added that only one person later died.

He however said, no arrest was yet to be made over the ugly incidence.