A primary school pupil, Durotimi Salako, has died after being knocked down by a vehicle driven by a suspected smuggler allegedly fleeing from Nigerian Customs Service operatives in the Itakoji community, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Community sources told FCNN on Wednesday that the tragedy occurred last Thursday while the boy, said to be about 10 years old, was on his way to buy food after returning from school.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspected smuggler’s vehicle rammed into Salako by the roadside. Villagers alleged that rather than rush the boy to a hospital, the Customs team focused on seizing the bags of rice in the vehicle.
The boy reportedly died on the spot due to lack of urgent medical attention.
Angered by the incident, residents set the smuggler’s vehicle ablaze, though Customs officers reportedly left the scene with the seized rice.
The deceased’s mother has since been inconsolable, while villagers claim they are yet to hear from any authority despite assurances of a visit.
However, the spokesperson for Ogun Area 1 Command, Chado Zakari, denied claims that operatives were chasing the smuggler.
He explained that officers were on routine patrol when the driver, on sighting their patrol vehicle, attempted to divert through an illegal route and accidentally knocked down the boy.
Zakari said the officers prevented the smuggler from being lynched by villagers and later handed him over to the command’s legal unit.
Fatal clashes between Customs and smugglers are not new in Ogun State. In October 2024, a bystander was killed by a stray bullet during a clash in Imeko-Afon LGA, while in March 2025, a suspected smuggler identified as Ofe was shot dead in Yewa South LGA during another confrontation.
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These recurring incidents have continued to fuel concerns over the operations of the Nigerian Customs Service and the safety of civilians in border communities.
