By Uzor Odigbo
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) has expressed sadness over the unfortunate accident that resulted in the death of eight victims and injured ones.
Ali who spoke through the Customs Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday stated that as a responsible government agency, the Service was mindful of the duty of care imposed upon it to ensure the safety of the citizens.
“Unfortunately, our efficiency is sometimes undermined by unanticipated failures in our equipment as in this case which was caused by brake failure resulting in the death of eight fellow Nigerians and injuries to others at the border town of Jibiya, Katsina State.
“Nigeria Customs Service shares in the pains of losing these compatriots and extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate families of the deceased, government and the people of Katsina State. The Service is doing all it takes to get the best treatment possible for the injured and will do what it can to ameliorate the pains of those who lost their loved ones”, he assured.
He informed that though, human actions cannot always keep society accident free, the CGC had already directed a holistic investigation into the incident with a view to preventing a reoccurrence of this unfortunate accident in the future.
“NCS, therefore, calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to show understanding of the situation and offer words or actions that can help heal those in pain. As a Service, our hearts and prayers go to the families of the bereaved and those in hospitals”, he further adds.
It will be recalled that the officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had recently crushed eight people to death and injuring many with their operational vehicle while in pursuit of smugglers at the border town of Jibiya in Katsina State, a development which had not gone down well with many Nigerians.
