After stampedes claimed 7 lives, Customs suspends sale of seized food items

The spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this development in a statement on Monday, February 26, 2024.

As part of the measures to address the high prices of food in the country, the Customs had invited members of the public to its office in Yaba to buy bags of rice at a discounted price of ₦10,000.

Unfortunately, during the disbursement exercise, seven people died in stampedes due to the poor coordination of the exercise.

Recounting the circumstances that led to the death of seven people, the NCS said, when it ran out of stock, the crowd became desperate and charged through its barricades in search of bags of rice.

The NCS said, "We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise. This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5000 beneficiaries and members of the press.

“However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome.

“The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded."

Due to the unfortunate incident, the Customs announced the suspension of the exercise, saying the suspension should help it "to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention.”