In a somber turn of events, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of foodstuff sales after a devastating stampede claimed the lives of seven individuals at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Lagos State’s Yaba area. The incident occurred last Friday, leaving the nation in shock.
Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, conveyed the decision to halt the exercise in a statement issued on Monday.
The NCS had initiated the sale of seized food items at a subsidized rate of N10,000 per 25kg to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens due to the soaring cost of living and economic challenges.
Tragically, on that fateful Friday, a pregnant woman and six others lost their lives during a chaotic stampede. Suspected hoodlums had attempted to force their way into the Yaba Customs office compound, resulting in the fatal incident.
Lagos residents, who had eagerly thronged the NCS office in Yaba, expressed their disappointment upon learning of the suspension of this much-needed initiative.
Our correspondent, visiting the Customs office on Monday, witnessed a sea of people—both young and old—queuing up at the gate, hoping to purchase rice. Despite the officers’ valiant efforts to reassure the crowd that stocks had depleted, the numbers continued to swell.
In an official statement released on Monday evening, the NCS cited the “recent unfortunate event” as the reason for the suspension. The NCS spokesman expressed regret and announced their commitment to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy:
“We regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, February 23, 2024. Initially, the disposal of food items proceeded smoothly, with over 5,000 beneficiaries and members of the press witnessing the cooperative spirit of the crowd. However, unforeseen challenges arose when our stock ran out.”
The NCS had prioritized vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women during the distribution.
Now, as the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of lives and awaits answers.
