Beneficiaries of the food items at the Customs exercise
Why we stopped sale of seized food items – Customs
The sale of the seized food items by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been suspended after seven people died in stampede at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters venue of the exercise in the Yaba area of Lagos State.
A statement by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Monday, stated this.
Many Nigerians had turned up for the open sales on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the venue of the exercise with a 25kg bag of rice selling for N10,000.
According thr Customs, the exercise was to cushion the economic hardships facing Nigerians, especially risin high costs of essential food items in the country.
However, seven people, including a pregnant woman, died in the stampede when armed hoodlums in camouflage gear attempted to force their way into the venue.
Consequently, the Customs stated that open sale of the seized food items was suspended. According to its spokesman, ““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.
“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.”