A shootout between hoodlums and custom officers attached to the Federal Operations Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, at White Sand community in Ijora Badia area of Lagos State has led to the death of three.

According to a resident, Tajudeen Shamsudeen, trouble started when a boy, identified as Ojo was allegedly stabbed to death by Hausa boys on his way home.

Shamsudeen said, “For long, these Hausa boys have been attacking people here. They waylay people, dispose them of cash and belongings. Even rulers of both ethnic groups are aware of the issue.”

It was alleged that the Seriki Hausa invited some custom officers during the demolition of some shanties in the area, said to be approved by the Lagos State Government.

The Hausas claim they were the only ones affected by the demolition.

The custom officers who stormed the area in three patrol vehicles were said to have shot sporadically in the air to scare hoodlums who were roaming about at the time.

The hoodlums were said to have resisted the Customs men, who allegedly attempted to stop the demolition, an action that led to a shootout, during which three persons were felled by bullets.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, a Superintendent of Police, however, said only one person died, while two others are recuperating in the hospital.

She said, ”The community and the police were on a joint operation of raiding black spots within the community and arresting suspected criminals yesterday.

“In the process, some officers of the Nigerian Customs Service officers, who were with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had an encounter with some of the hoodlums. “They fired some shots and three people were hit. As a result, one death was recorded, while two others are receiving treatment in the hospital. Policemen are not involved.”

Azeez