CITIZENS COMPASS —The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, February 26, 2024, temporarily suspended the sales of seized food items across all its Zonal Headquarters in the country.
This followed the stampede that claimed some lives at its Zonal Headquarters, Harvey Road, Yaba area of Lagos State on Friday, February 22, 2024.
NCS spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwa, disclosed this in a press statement on Monday.
It reads, “The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs.
“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 “heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident.
Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regretfully announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024.
“This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention,” the Service announced on Monday.
Recall that Pilot sales took place on Thursday, February 21, 2024, with over 100 journalists and some NCS neighbours around Harvey Road, Yaba as participants.
A 25kg bag of rice was sold at N10, 000 with the National Identity Number (NIN) as the requirement.
