Customs suspends food sales after fatal stampede
On Monday, the Nigeria Customs Service announced the suspension of foodstuff sales after a fatal stampede claimed seven lives at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Lagos State's Yaba area on Friday.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, conveyed the suspension in a statement on Monday. The sale of seized food items, initially priced at N10,000 per 25kg to alleviate economic challenges, led to the tragic incident on Friday. A pregnant woman and six others lost their lives in a stampede when suspected hoodlums tried to force their way into the Yaba Customs office compound.
On Monday, several Lagos residents who had gathered at the NCS office in Yaba voiced their dissatisfaction after the initiative was suspended.
Upon our correspondent's visit to the Yaba Customs office on Monday, a large crowd, including elderly individuals, formed a line in front of the gate to purchase rice.
Despite officers' earnest attempts to communicate that the service had run out of stock, the crowd persisted in growing.
A prospective buyer, Toyin Oke-Owo, implored President Bola Tinubu to address the enduring economic challenges in the country.
Expressing her frustration, she stated, "I've been here since 8 am. They announced there's no more rice. I haven't had anything to eat since morning. Please relay to the President that we are hungry. They said they won't sell it because some people died here. They've been using a cane to drive us away. I am hungry. Earlier today, I prepared cassava flour for my child to drink as breakfast."
Adesola Odefunso, another woman present, appealed, "Please, help us plead with them to distribute what they have to those of us who have been here since morning. We are not as many as the people who came here on Friday. Help us persuade them to provide us with rice. We have been here since 5 am. We didn't sleep throughout the night because of this rice."
In a statement released on Monday evening, the NCS justified the suspension, citing "the recent unfortunate event." The NCS spokesman expressed regret, announcing the suspension of the exercise until they could ascertain the details of what occurred on Friday, February 23, 2024.
He clarified, "The distribution of the food items commenced smoothly around 0800hrs. We appreciated the cooperation of the large crowd, particularly prioritizing the elderly, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians attending the event.
"This positive scenario persisted until approximately 1700hrs, witnessed by over 5,000 beneficiaries and members of the press. However, unforeseen challenges emerged when our stock depleted, prompting the announcement of a continuation the following day, resulting in an unfortunate outcome.
"The crowd, now desperate, breached our barricades in search of rice bags within emptied containers. This led to a regrettable stampede, resulting in some unfortunate fatalities and injuries."
The Customs Service expressed its "deep condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident." It stated that collaboration with health authorities was underway to connect with and directly engage the families of the victims regarding the subsequent course of action.
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