At least one persn was feared dead while two others were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries following a gun duel at Bode-Saadu in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State between officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and suspected smugglers.
An eyewitness told our correspondent on Tuesday that the smugglers who specialise in importing fairly used vehicles popularly called ‘tokunbo’ were coming through illegal route from Cotonou, Benin Republic when they sighted the customs officials who had laid ambush for them.
The car dealers were said to have sped off to escape arrest by the customs officials while the law enforcement agents pursued them.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that the Custom officials opened fire on the fleeing smugglers, who were said to have retaliated.
The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the clash between Customs officials and the smugglers.
He stated that three persons sustained injuries during gun duel, while only one person later died.
According to him, no arrest has been made over the clash.
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