Tuesday, 25 May 2021: The alleged killing and shooting by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service during the Local Government election at Eruwa Community in Oyo State is a fake news and should be disregarded.

This news, which was reported by some online media (CEOAFRICA, not inclusive) was a cooked up story that is capable of breaching peace in Oyo State.

According to a press release by Asci K Wey, Public Relations Officer Oyo/Osun Area Command, there was a clash between political supporters of candidates, which led to the destruction of properties and possible loss of lives which was wrongly linked to the Nigeria Customs Service; as the Service had nothing to do with the unfortunate situation.

“Contrary to claims in various reports, no Customs personnel or vehicle was sighted during and after the election process; and at the scene of the incident.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our officers are identified by their official uniform and uniquely coloured operational vehicles while performing our statutory duties. The vehicle in question at the scene of the incident was reported to be a White Toyota Hilux pickup which is not for the Nigeria Customs Service.

“While the motive for the linkage of the Service to the story remains unknown, we state clearly that Nigeria Customs Service personnel were not there and could not have been involved in a political crisis. Therefore, we urge members of the public to desist from spreading false news that is capable of breaching peace.

“This dangerous false narrative should be ignored and seen as hand work of those who do not want peace and mutual relationship between the Service and the host communities.

“Nigeria Customs Service will remain committed to the course of Nation building by discharging its statutory functions of suppressing smuggling, revenue generation and facilitation of legitimate trade in tandem with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004.”