A yet unidentified soldier shot a Customs officer to death at the border between Lagos and Benin Republic, otherwise known as Seme Border, in the early hours of Thursday, sparkling fears among residents who feared a violent clash between Army and Customs officers.

An eyewitness who spoke to Tribune on the incident said the soldier was likely under the influence of alcohol as his behavior was strange.

“The soldier was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol because no one expected him to behave in such strange manner,” he was quoted as saying.

Hussain Abdullahi, Spokesman of the Seme Customs Command, was also said to have confirmed the incident, saying: “Yes, there was shooting in the early hours of today from military personnel and a Customs officer was killed in the process.

“Investigations are currently ongoing between the NCS and the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army has been fully briefed and investigations are currently ongoing.”

In a Daily Trust report on the incident, the soldier was said to have taken his life after killing the Customs officer whose identity has not been revealed.