By Ken Afor
Despite the stampede that claimed the lives of seven persons in Lagos state during the distribution of seized bags of rice to residents at reduced cost, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Ogun Command has said it will commence another round of the exercise in the coming weeks following directives from the federal government.
The Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command, Mr. Ben Oramalugo, who disclosed this to journalists, said that the distribution became necessary to address food shortages and rising prices, aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians and ensuring affordable food access.
To prevent further tragedy encountered during the previous distribution exercise in Lagos, Mr. Oramalugo said that safety measures would be highly considered, highlighting the NCS’s commitment to fair and transparent distribution with careful screening of eligible beneficiaries.
His words, “Once the necessary modalities are in place, the distribution of seized rice will begin. We will provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the distribution.”
“In the meantime, we would like to remind everyone that smuggling is illegal and that those who engage in it are subject to serious penalties.”
“We urge everyone to support the government’s efforts to crack down on smuggling and ensure that only legal goods are brought into the country.”
On the other hand, the area commander disclosed that the command intercepted and seized fake drugs worth N1,739,000,000 in the Bakatari area of Omi-Adio, Ibadan, during the 2024 fiscal year. Additionally, they confiscated various other goods such as rice, vegetable oil, used clothing, and tires. These seizures reflect the command’s increased efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard public health and safety.
It would be recalled that last Monday, the NCS put on hold the distribution exercise following the death of seven persons who were on the ground to receive their bags of rice. The NCS admitted that things got out of hand when they ran out of stock as the crowd, desperate for bags of rice inside emptied containers, charged through barricades, which created the stampede.
