The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of food item sales following a stampede at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Yaba, Lagos State, which claimed the lives of seven individuals on Friday, February 23.
Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, disclosed the decision to suspend the exercise in a statement on Monday, February 26.
The NCS had initiated the sale of seized food items at N10,000 per 25kg bag to alleviate the hardship caused by the high cost of living and economic challenges.
However, the initiative took a tragic turn on Friday when a pregnant woman and six others lost their lives in a stampede as suspected hoodlums attempted to force their way into the Yaba Customs office compound.
Following the suspension of the initiative, some Lagos residents who had gathered at the NCS office in Yaba expressed disappointment.
According to Toyin Oke-Owo, one of the intending buyers, expressed frustration and urged President Bola Tinubu to address the ongoing economic hardships in the country.
She said, “I have been here since 8 am. They said there would be no rice again. I have not eaten anything since this morning. Help us to tell the President that we are hungry.
“They said they wouldn’t sell it because some people died here. They have been chasing us away with a cane. I am hungry. This morning, I soaked cassava flour for my child to drink as breakfast.”
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NCS declared the suspension imperative in light of the recent event.
“We regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, February 23, 2024,” the NCS spokesman said.
He explained “The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 08:00 am. 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 5,000 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.”
The Customs extended its sincere condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident.
The service affirmed its collaboration with health authorities to establish direct communication with the victims’ families regarding their next course of action.
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