Bisina SomtoA Lagos State resident lost his life amidst a scramble for rice at the Nigerian Customs office in Lagos.
The tragic incident unfolded as the deceased, who was accompanied by his wife, found himself on the ground amid a throng of people, and unable to rise in time to avoid being trampled.
Dr. Adunola, an X user with the handle @yemoka, revealed the grim news, indicating that the victim was brought to her hospital where he succumbed to injuries sustained in the stampede.
Recounting the ordeal, she described how the man, along with his spouse, was queuing up for rice when he fell, leading to the fatal outcome as the crowd surged forward, unaware of his plight.
“A man just died in my hospital,” she tweeted. “He was stamped on after falling at the Customs office trying to get rice. He was on the queue with his wife when he fell down and couldn’t get up on time which resulted in people stamping on him. So sad. Survived by very young children.”
This tragic incident sheds light on the height of desperation among many Nigerians caused by the country’s economic challenges.
An eyewitness account shared on social media painted a harrowing picture of the scene at the Nigeria Customs Service office in Yaba, Lagos.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Fight As Nigerians Scramble For Customs Rice In Yaba
The witness described a chaotic environment where thousands of individuals vied for a chance to purchase rice, only to face mistreatment and brutality at the hands of uniformed officers.
“I went to that Customs place in Yaba today to buy Rice,” the eyewitness recounted. “Let’s just say this country has zero chance of being better. They beat the shit out of us in the queue.”
The witness further detailed the preferential treatment given to uniformed officers, exacerbating the frustration and desperation among the crowd. Reports of violence, including the beating of a woman in a wheelchair, underscored the grim reality faced by ordinary citizens seeking basic necessities.
In response to the outcry over the dire situation, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) announced plans to distribute confiscated food products nationwide. The decision, aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and addressing food security concerns, signals a recognition of the urgent need for intervention.
According to CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the NCS, the distribution will commence following certification to ensure the suitability of the food items for human consumption.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
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