….as Customs Temporarily Suspends Distribution of Seized Rice
No fewer than two thousand intending beneficiaries of Customs food disposal initiative on Monday, 26 February 2024, pleaded for continuation of the distribution process after confirming the unruly behaviour of some Nigerians that benefited from the Pilot exercise of the distribution that was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024 which led to a stampede at Nigeria Customs Service Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos State.
This is contrary to some reports on social media that the initiative meant to ameliorate the hardship faced by Nigerians only worsen the situation.
A visit by our reporter to the Service’s Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos, on Monday afternoon revealed that the intending Beneficiaries present at the venue have numbered themselves ahead of the time the distribution process will commence, hoping for positivity.
Speaking with our reporter at the Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos, Mrs Bashiru, who picked number 1524 for today’s process, while relating the ordeal that occurred on Friday confirmed that the pilot process got off smoothly in the early hours of Friday before being interrupted by some louts.
According to her “All the Customs Officials really tried, because we were on queue which was very long. It has not reach my turn before those boys scattered everything. You can see how they destroyed part of the Customs roofs. It was the touts that forced themselves into their compound through the roof and started taking the Rice for themselves before the Police intervene. I was here on Saturday thinking they will give us the Rice. You can see I’m here today again. See how they spoil their roof. It was those bad boys. Government should please pardon some of us that came from distance. I came from Ijaiye to take advantage of this process. I’ve seen some of those boys around here today again, maybe they should find another means by which they will distribute the Rice such that the touts will not disrupt the process again but they should please give us opportunities to gain from this opportunity. We are hungry ooo,” She lamented.
Also speaking, Miss Kuburat, who spoke in group with some others buttressed Mrs Bashiru statement that the Customs Officials were obstructed by the louts living within vicinity.
To them, “The numbers given to us today varies from 99, 2020, 1485, 1950, 914, 1870 respectively, because we came at different time. We are hoping to be given Rice. Some of us came as early as 4.30 am, We hope the officers will give us Rice. They should please consider the distance majority of us came from and reconsider the distribution. If not for those boys, apart from that we Nigerians are never organized for once, if you remember the cash crunch period, we experienced odd incidents like this. It is our lawlessness, our nonchalant attitude towards rules and regulations kill us most. This people really tried, the stampede wouldn’t have occurred if not for those that disrupted the process. Honestly, they need to reconsider us ooo, we need food, they should please pity us,” they cried out.
Mr. Bosun, who ply the route daily as a commercial driver, on his part, disclosed that though he came in the early hours of the day to pick number and was given 55, still hope the Rice will be distributed. According to him, “Greediness and Nigerians bad attitude to obeying laws led to Friday ugly incidence, infact not until things get out of hands that the military intervene. I’ve seen some people selling out of the rice they said they should not sell. Only God can change us in this Country. I really appreciate those Customs people, they really tried. If you see anyone complaining, they are the critics. We know what we always do in Nigeria, once someone make attempts to provide solutions we start looking for loopholes and start complaining, just to condemn that particular move. Only the Almighty can change our thinking because we need serious orientation and God’s intervention, honestly,” he stated.
While the people have refused to leave the vicinity of the old Zonal Office of NCS hoping for positivity of Rice sharing, Officials of the agency on Monday evening announced temporary suspension of the distribution process, inorder to establish what actually transpire at it’s Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos on Friday, 23 February 2024 where few casualties and some injuries were recorded.
A release made available by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada read fully that, “It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on the directive of Mr. President, announced the commencement of a noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving 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. 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. 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 5000 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 Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. 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,” the statement read.
