Customs, smugglers clash leaves 2 teenagers with bullet wounds

A confrontation between customs officers and petrol smugglers at Seme border in Lagos State has left two youngsters hit by stray bullets.

The two boys, Hunsu Taiwo (12) and Ganjo Henry (10), were playing in Sokenu Compound of Seme when they were hit by customs bullets on Friday.

They, however, survived after receiving treatment at the Customs Clinic at Seme border.

Confirming the incident, the customs Spokesman in Seme, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the two boys were hit by stray bullets at the back and ankle.

Abdullahi said that the incident happened during a confrontation with smugglers who were trying to smuggle petrol to neighbouring Benin Republic.

“On July 3, at about 5pm, a joint patrol team of command based on credible intelligence went on an operation along Seme Carpenter Village and identified a hide-out used by some unpatriotic elements to stockpile petrol for onward smuggling to Benin Republic.

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“In an effort to evacuate the said item from the scene, some unscrupulous elements launched a vicious attack and aggressively advanced towards the scene of the seizure with assorted dangerous weapons with a desire to set the place ablaze.

“Considering the volatility of the seized items and the fact that all efforts short of using force to halt the mob from advancing towards the scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use their firearms in order to defend themselves and avoid the envisaged catastrophe.

“However, verifiable information later received indicated that two young innocent boys were injured by stray bullets at the back and ankle,” he said.

The customs spokesman said the boys were rushed to Customs Clinic for proper medical intervention and fortunately the victims came out with no major damages.