By Adegbenro Barakat Opeyemi (SIWES Student, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has termed the stampede at its Yaba, Lagos office, during the sale of 25kg bags of rice to Lagos residents, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, as tragic.
Investigation reveals that those who perished were among the crowd that surged to the site of the seized rice sale at the Yaba office of the service on Friday, driven by the country’s severe economic conditions.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NCS spokesperson, Timi Bomodi, refuted claims that any of the victims were killed deliberately.
According to the PUNCH Metro report, Comfort Adebanjo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, and six others lost their lives while attempting to purchase rice at the Yaba Customs office, priced at N10,000.
Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, coordinator of the All Progressives Congress’ FKL Ward E1 in Lagos, and Adebari Adewale, the group’s secretary, confirmed Adebanjo’s demise amidst the chaos.
Expressing grief over Adebanjo’s demise, Fadahunsi stated, We are deeply saddened and sorry to announce the tragic death of our member in FKL Ward E1, Mrs. Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo…She was one of the seven victims who died while attempting to buy Customs rice at Yaba.”
However, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC’s Publicity Secretary, refrained from confirming the incident, stating the need for verification from local authorities.
Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, attributed the incident to impatience among attendees, emphasizing efforts made by Customs officials to maintain order and assist the injured.
Regarding the choice of Yaba as the location for the sale, Maiwada explained that it was selected to safeguard Customs facilities.
When questioned about the cause of the deaths, Maiwada stated, “I can’t say.” He refuted claims of deliberate actions leading to fatalities.
Amidst escalating economic hardship, protests erupted in Ibadan, Oyo State, while Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced measures to alleviate suffering, including adjustments for civil servants and the establishment of feeding centers.
