Suspected Boko Haram in Yobe attack customs quarters, kill officer

Suspected Boko Haram in Yobe attack customs quarters, kill officer

A tragic incident unfolded in Geidam town, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, as suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on a customs house, resulting in the unfortunate death of Officer Usman Gombe.

The insurgents arrived at the customs house located along Maine Soroa road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover around 10 pm on Saturday, opening fire on the premises.

Witnesses reported that “the attackers timed their strike to ensure the customs officers had already left for the day. The relentless gunfire caused panic, with the officers desperately seeking safety. Some managed to escape through the gate, while others resorted to scaling the fence to evade the assailants”.

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Tragically, Officer Usman Gombe was fatally shot while attempting to climb the fence, according to a security source.

Furthermore, the attackers set fire to the customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the customs house building.

This is not the first time that Boko Haram has targeted customs officers in the region. Last month, Officer Babalola and his junior officer were kidnapped and later killed by the insurgents.

Residents of the town expressed their concerns about the escalating activities of Boko Haram on the outskirts of Geidam. They alleged that the insurgents were extorting taxes from both farmers and herdsmen just a few kilometers away from the town, without any intervention from authorities.

Furthermore, residents complained that security operatives had established over 17 checkpoints within the town, where traders passing through the same route were subjected to additional taxes. This situation has left the people of Geidam in a difficult and challenging condition, as expressed by one of the traders.