nigeria customs service and the murder of sekinat agbelade: an abuse to human rights – youth council

Com. Adebare Ariyibi; State PRO, NYCN, Ogun State Chapter

The state leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, has described as unfortunate an incident mismanaged by the Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service leading to the death of a 15 year old girl, Sekinat Agbelade, at Agosasa area of Ipokia, Ogun State, on March 28, 2020.

Sekinat, an SSS 3 student of Agosasa Community High School, was preparing for her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) before her untimely death. Returning from errands on Saturday, Sekinat fell to the fired gunshots of Customs Officers who were on unprofessional chase of some suspected smugglers.

The State Chairman of the Council, Com. Abdul-Jabar Ayelaagbe, expressing total displeasure on Sekinat’s death referring to it as a loss of a glory. In his words, “the life and safety of every Youth should not be underplayed at any circumstance regardless of the danger involved.”

According to a Press Statement issued by the Council and signed by the State Secretary, Com. Akolawole Shoremi, “the action that led to this ugly development is regrettable, embarrassing, and unprofessional of the men of the Nigeria Customs Service to say the least.

“While we continue gather relevant information on the avoidable death, we wish to assure all sons and daughters of the land that effort is in progress to act accordingly on this case, and to ensure a lasting solution is brought on board to challenge the excesses of the irresponsible Officers of the Nigeria Customs in that area.

“It is noteworthy that among other efforts being established, a discussion has also been opened with a foreign media organization to put this murderous act to the global scene; one which we believe can put the government on their toes.”

Ayelaagbe commiserated with the families of Sekinat, the Agosasa community, Ipokia Local Government, and the entire youth of the state.