The Customs rice distribution in Lagos turned into a scene of chaos as desperate residents fought tooth and nail for a share of the meagre provisions, with unconfirmed reports of deaths emerging from the incidents.
One of the residents described a harrowing ordeal as people struggled to access the rice distribution container, located in Lagos. “People struggled to get there,” highlighting the lengths individuals went to secure food for their families. Another recounted the callousness exhibited amidst the chaos, stating, “If you fall, nobody cares, they will step on you to pass.”
One resident, who spoke to journalists, recounted the distressing scenes he witnessed. “As I come now, as we dey push, anybody wey fall down, dem match you, two people don die already, before armies came to pursue us away.” he noted.
“I have six children, five girls and a boy, my daughter on Monday will go back to Ekiti State University. I dey find 300, I no see,” he lamented.
Another resident emphasized the need for proper organization and oversight during such distributions. “Though the rice is free, there should be a guide on how to give people rice, because of the hardship, everybody is trying to take rice,” they added, highlighting the frenzied atmosphere that prevailed.
Reports on the Custom Rice Distribution is not pãlatãble at all…
~people struggled to get there.
~If you fall, no body cares, they will șțęp oń you to pass.
~there were unconfirmed reportș of ďeäths too.HOW LONG CAN WE CONTINUE LIKE THIS? pic.twitter.com/GWSIR0yFUp
— Royal Spotlight (@Royal_Spotlight) February 24, 2024