After a gun duel between smugglers and some security agents consisting of soldiers and customs officers, there was severe tension in Igbo-Ora in the Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State on Thursday.

The hoodlums allegedly shot dead an army officer, but it was not clear how many of the hoodlums were killed in the clash.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that three individuals were killed in the clash, including a customs officer and a citizen. The dispute that allegedly occurred in the evening triggered confusion as residents fled the roads and stayed indoors during the incident.

Photos obtained on social media saw the destruction by fire of Customs vehicles.

It was learnt that trouble started when the Customs officers seized a bus load of foreign rice from the smugglers.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the clash to our correspondent.

He said, “Information received revealed that smugglers attacked the Federal Operations Unit at Igbo-Ora.

“In a swift response to assist the FOU team, the Border Drill Patrol also came under attack and one lieutenant of the Nigerian Army, Josiah Peter, was shot and later died. Investigation has commenced.”