Nigerian customs halts sales of confiscated food after stampede

On Monday, the Nigerian Customs Service announced a temporary halt to selling confiscated food items nationwide due to a stampede in Lagos last Friday. The agency’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, relayed the decision.

Earlier, on February 20, 2024, the Customs had announced plans to sell seized food items to alleviate the country’s economic hardships.

The disposal commenced at the Yaba office last Friday with the presence of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Maiwada:

“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.”

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, the Customs pledged to work with health authorities to support the victims’ families.

In response to the situation, Customs announced that it is suspending the sales exercise until it thoroughly understands the events of February 23, 2024.

“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,” the Service announced on Monday.