Mob Attacks Nigeria Customs Check Point in Jigawa over Death of Mutum

…One killed, four cars burnt

 By Adebayo Segun

Mob numbering about 500 has allegedly mobilised themselves and attacked the check point of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) at Babban Mutum village of Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred when a 60-year-old, Alhaji Umaru Babban Mutum, was shot dead after a disagreement between him and some customs officers at the border town of Babura council area of the state.

The trouble was said to have started when a car was said to have been impounded at the entry point by the custom officials belonging to Umaru.

An eyewitness, Mahmud Babban Mutum, told THISDAY yesterday that the deceased was involved in fierce argument with the custom officials stationed at the border over arrest of a car he allegedly imported through Niger Republic.

Mutum said there was an argument between the custom officials and Umaru who came to retrieve his impounded vehicle ‎and in the process, one of the officers fired his gun at the driver who was hit on the leg.

The shooting infuriated Umaru who challenged them of which he too was said to be shot in the stomach by the same officer and died instantly.

It was also observed that all the five custom check points in the area have been burnt down in the process while four cars belonging to the officers were also completely burnt.

However, the Chairman of Babura local council, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, said the mob went to the police station threatening to burn down the place until the Divisional Police Officer convinced them that the custom officials arrested were not in their custody.

It was learnt that the deceased was since buried by his relatives at Babban Mutum which shared borders with Katsina State and Niger Republic.