YOUTH LEADER KILLED BY CUSTOM OFFICER OVER BAGS OF RICE

A youth leader, identified as Timothy was yesterday shot dead by some customs officials while many women and children were allegedly injured in the uproar that took place in Ikoko-Ilase community along the Idirokok border in Ipokia LGA of Ogun state. it was gathered that the hostility erupted when some youths from Koko, Alaari and Ilashe communities resisted the men of the customs in the state from removing over 900 bags of rice that had already been stockpiled in a warehouse in Koko village. It was in the scuffle that some of the custom officials started shooting at the youths and the youth leader was hit by a bullet while others were injured. It was gathered that a lot of people had been attacked by custom officials in the border areas including school children in their attempt to chase suspected smugglers. According to an eyewitness report, the latest development sparked off on Wednesday afternoon when a large number of youths from the three communities blocked all the access routes to Koko village where they had the warehouse stocked up with rice. They made bonfires to prevent the entrance of custom officials from taking their wares which they claimed passed through the legal channels. Some of the customs pulled allegedly off their trigger and started shooting which Timothy was allegedly killed and others sustained diverse degree of injuries. The Customs Public Relations Officer, Chike Ngige, confirmed the incident, saying the victim was shot when he attempted to grab the gun from one of the officers.