Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents have attacked the Nigerian Customs Service office in Geidam town, Geidam LGA, Yobe State, resulting in the tragic death of one operative, Usman Gombe.
The harrowing incident unfolded when the insurgents, armed and riding in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover, stormed the Customs office along Maine Soroa Road around 10:00 pm on Saturday, opening fire.
The attack took place after they were certain that the Customs officers had retired for the day.
A security source on the scene revealed, “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. Unfortunately, one of the officers, Usman Gombe, was shot dead while attempting to climb the fence.”
The assailants didn’t stop at gunfire. They also set fire to the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building, causing significant damage.
Disturbingly, this is not the first time that Boko Haram insurgents have targeted Customs officers. The source noted, “This is the second time the Boko Haram insurgents are killing Customs officers. Last month, an officer, Babalola, and his junior officer were abducted and later killed by the insurgents.”
Concerns have been mounting in Geidam due to the increasing presence of Boko Haram insurgents on its outskirts.
Residents reported that the militants have been levying taxes on farmers and herdsmen just a few kilometers from the town with impunity.
Furthermore, they claimed that the security forces have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town, where traders transporting goods through the same route are also subjected to taxation.
“We are in difficult condition in this town,” expressed one trader, reflecting the challenging situation residents find themselves in as the threat from insurgents continues to loom over the region.
