The heartbreaking event occurred on Saturday night, 21st October 2023 around 10 pm, when the unknown gun men attacked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Office in Geidam town, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover.

An eyewitness said “they struck when they were sure the Customs officers had retired home. Panicked by the rain of bullets, the officers scampered for safety; some escaped through the gate, while others scaled the fence.”

The eyewitness further said an officer, Usman Gombe was shot dead while trying to climb the fence.

More so, they burnt down the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building.

The residents said this is the second time Custom officers are killed. Last month, an officer and his junior were abducted and later killed by the insurgents. They also disclosed that the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Geidam had increased in recent times.

“They collect taxes from farmers and herdsmen a few kilometers from the town, and nobody is doing anything. Instead, the security operatives have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town where they also taxed traders that brought goods through the same route. We are in difficult condition in this town,” one of the traders alleged.

“The Customs Office faced a formidable threat but was bravely defended, safeguarding the facility and the families of fellow officers and men,” the NCS in a statement by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, said.

The statement, which was made available through the NCS official X (Twitter) handle, said Mr Usman was killed while trying to repel the attack.

Read Also: COURT DISSOLVES 9 YEARS MARRIAGE OVER WIFE’S PETITION

“He hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State, leaving behind a grieving wife and five children – three boys and two girls,” the statement added.

Mr Maiwada said the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, has extended his “heartfelt” condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

“He emphasized the crucial role of community engagement in the shared pursuit of safety and security, urging all citizens to contribute to these collective endeavours actively,” Mr Maiwada said.