Ogun: Schoolboy killed in customs, suspected smuggler chase

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A primary schoolboy, Durotimi Salako, was killed after he was knocked down by a suspected smuggler who was allegedly being chased by some Nigerian Customs Service officers in the Itakoji area of Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday from a source in the community, who requested anonymity, that the incident occurred last Thursday while the pupil was on his way to get his afternoon meal.

The source disclosed that Salako had just returned from school when his parent gave him money to go and get what he would eat.

Our correspondent gathered further that while he was walking by the roadside, a vehicle suspected to be driven by a suspected smuggler, allegedly being chased by some Customs officers rammed into him and knocked him down.

The source alleged that rather than the Customs team rescuing the boy to a hospital for emergency treatment, they continued with the seizure of the rice that the smuggler was carrying in his vehicle.

He noted that due to a lack of urgent medical attention, Salako died at the spot.

Our correspondent learnt that the villagers, upon realising that the boy had died, resorted to setting the smuggler’s vehicle ablaze. Punch