Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly attacked an office of the Nigeria Customs Service in Geidam town, Geidam LGA, Yobe State, killing one operative, Usman Gombe.
According to a report, the insurgents stormed the Customs office along Maine Soroa Road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover around 10:00 pm on Saturday and started shooting.
“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,” a security source told Daily Trust.
He said the assailants also burnt down the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building.
“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,” the source said.
Residents of the town disclosed that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Geidam had increased in recent times.
“They collect taxes from farmers and herdsmen a few kilometres from the town, and nobody is doing anything.
“Instead, the security operatives have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town where they also taxed traders that brought goods through the same route. We are in difficult condition in this town,” one of the traders alleged.
