‘We Are On The Trail of Killers of Our Officer In Katsina’ – Adeniyi

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Comptroller General the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR says the Service is doing everything humanly possible to apprehend the perpetrators of the killers of late Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna , so that they can held accountable for their heinous act.

The CGC who was on condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Kayawa a community in Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State vowed to arrest and prosecute the late officer’s killers, if only to assuage the pains knowing that the evil people have been brought to book.

Haruna was killed during a brutal attack by suspected smugglers on Customs operatives at Gamjin Makaho checkpoint along the Katsina – Dankama road in Kaita local council area of Katsina State, recently.

Represented by the Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, Comptroller Muhammad Umar, Adeniyi said the Service has commenced investigation into the incident and will fish out those responsible for the act.

The Comptroller General of Customs notes that every one of the Service personnel is important, “therefore we will never allow the perpetrators to go free.”

In a statement by the Katsina Customs Command Public Relations Officer, SC Tahir Balarabe quoted the CGC as describing the killing as unprovoked, even as he expressed profound grief over the death of the officer while commiserating with the family of the deceased and the entire Kayawa community.

While addressing the family members and leaders of the community, Adeniyi said: “NCS in collaboration with other security agencies, are tirelessly working to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

While also praying for the repose of the soul of the departed officer, the customs boss assured his parents and the Kayawa community at large that the Nigeria Customs Service will identify with them during and after the grieving period.

He, however, said the slain office has joined the pantheon of great men who gave their all, with honour, in the service of their fatherland.

Father of the deceased officer in attempt to respond to the delegation, gave in to emotion making it impossible for him to speak.

However, the Chairman of Dutsi Local Government Area, Mr. Ado Rabe, whovolunteered at this point to speak on behalf of the family, appealed to the management of the NCS to replace the late Haruna with one of his family members.

He said that the entire community has lost a humble son who was the only Customs personnel in the area, hence the need for the Nigeria Customs Service to consider his replacement.

Also while addressing the delegation at the Government House Katsina, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, charged security agencies in the state to arrest the killers of the customs officer and to bring them to justice.

He said: “It is very important that the security agencies in charge of investigation, to ensure that the culprits are brought to book and justice is done. On behalf of myself and the good people of Katsina State, I condoled the Comptroller General of Customs, and the entire personnel of the Service over the irreplaceable lost.”

He, however, said the engagements between the Nigeria Customs Service and border communities in the state is cordial and yielding positive results, hence the need for its sustainability.

The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljanna firdaus “because he died while protecting the lives and properties of the citizens”.

The delegation which comprise of the Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ Kaduna, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar over Haruna’s demise, where he extolled the virtues of the late officer.

The Emir urged the Nigeria Customs Service to remain resolute in redeeming the enviable image of the service, by tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes in the state.

The delegation also includes the Coordinator, Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 4, Comptroller Aminu Abubakar, and other senior officers.