The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has suspended its disposal of food items following a stampede which claimed about eight lives on Friday, February 23, 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos State.
The National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, made this known in a statement on Monday, February 26.
The Customs spokesman also said that an internal investigation has been initiated to grasp the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
Thenewsbearer gathered that during the distribution of bags of rice, the crowd became uncontrollable at a point, causing a stampede when Customs ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day.
The crowd reportedly became desperate, charging through barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers, resulting in the stampede.
This led to the death of some people while others were injured.
The Customs PRO, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, disclosed that the commencement of the intervention was on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians.
He stated that the intervention was to improve access to essential food items through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies.
He explained further: “Consequently, a pilot exercise was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state.
“The exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise. As part of our process and control measures, we had Nigeria Police and military personnel to ensure crowd control.
“We also fully equipped a medical team on ground in anticipation of potential risks during an exercise of that magnitude. Their presence was part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
“The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs (8am). 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(5pm), 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.”
Expressing the Nigeria Customs Service’s heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident, the spokesman said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support.
“We are working with hospital authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps.
“Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
“As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations.
“Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably 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.
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation’s food security.”
