She Took the Job for the Money and Lost Herself

In response to a heartbreaking stampede that claimed the lives of seven individuals at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Old Zonal Headquarters in Lagos State, the NCS has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the sale of seized foodstuffs.

 The incident, which occurred on Friday, has left Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, to announce the suspension in a statement issued on Monday.

The NCS had launched the sale of seized food items at N10,000 per 25kg, aiming to alleviate the economic hardships faced by the public amidst the soaring cost of living. However, the tragic events on Friday unfolded in a stampede allegedly incited by suspected hoodlums attempting to force their way into the Yaba Customs office compound, leading to the suspension of the initiative.

Despite spirited efforts by NCS officers to convey that the service was out of stock, a crowd, including the elderly, thronged the Yaba Customs office on Monday. Disappointed and frustrated, intending buyers shared their grievances, with calls for President Bola Tinubu to find lasting solutions to the economic hardship in the country.

Toyin Oke-Owo, waiting since 8 am, shared her ordeal, stating, "They said there would be no rice again. I have not eaten anything since this morning. Help us tell the President that we are hungry." Another woman, Adesola Odefunso, pleaded for the distribution of available rice to those who had been waiting since morning.

In a statement on Monday evening, the NCS addressed the suspension, citing the "recent unfortunate event" and the unforeseen challenges that arose during the food sale initiative. The smooth start of the exercise, which saw the cooperation of over 5,000 beneficiaries and members of the press, gave way to desperation when the NCS ran out of stock, leading to a regrettable stampede.

The NCS extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and announced the suspension of the exercise pending further investigations. The service emphasized its commitment to working with health authorities to directly engage with the victims' families and determine the necessary steps moving forward.