Home News After Lagos Stampede, Nigerian Customs Halts Sales Of Confiscated Food
News

After Lagos Stampede, Nigerian Customs Halts Sales Of Confiscated Food

562
Nigeria Customs- 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.

Read more: French Reporter Arrested In Ethiopia On ‘Charges Of Conspiracy To Create Chaos’

 

About The Author

Related Articles

NewsPolitics

Nigeria’s Former Vice President, Atiku Dumps PDP After Flag‑Off of Opposition Coalition

Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially resigned his membership from...

NewsSecurity

Nigeria: 27 People Killed in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community

At least 27 farmers, including men, women, and children have been killed...

FinanceNews

Niger Unveils Major Tax Overhaul with New General Tax Code Effective in 2026

Niger has adopted a new General Tax Code, scheduled to take effect...

NewsTechnology

Office du Niger Unveils Plan to Transform Mali into a Leading Agro-Industrial Power by 2063

Office du Niger, Mali’s largest agricultural basin and a pillar of national...