• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • ICPC Secures Conviction of Rector for Running Unaccredited Degree Programmes

      Engr Abba Babagana Dalori

      Engr Dalori Forfeits Galaxy Hospital, Petrol Station, Properties & Cash

      Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s…

      Luanda Summit: AUDA-NEPAD Taps AI, Green Bonds as it Launches Marketplace…

      Tinubu Jets to Brazil After Japan Summit, Eyes Trade, Security Deals

      Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), hosted the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji,

      Customs and the “National Single Window” Project

      FG Earmarks N13bn to Boost Power Infrastructure in Lagos, Ogun

  • National
    • Prof ibrahim gambari Chief of Staff

      Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister Gambari

      Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s…

      Flood

      Flood Alert: Heavy Rains Threaten 7 Nigerian States this Weekend August…

      Officers of NCS as it rounds off its Strategic Reputation Management Campaign in Zone 'D', Bauchi

      Customs Consolidates Reforms as Reputation Campaign Wraps Up in Zone ‘D’

      CG Custom Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Zacch Adedeji

      Is Zacch Adedeji Building Bridges for Nigeria’s Revenue Future? By Yushau…

    • Government
      • CG Custom Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Zacch Adedeji

        Is Zacch Adedeji Building Bridges for Nigeria’s Revenue Future? By Yushau…

        ACF

        Arewa Consultative Forum Engages Influencers to Amplify Northern Identity

        FG, States, LGs Share N2.001trn for July, Says FAAC

        FG Unveils Personal Income Tax Calculator Under New Reform Laws

        Saudi Arabia Conducts Life-Saving Cardiac surgeries in Kano

        Saudi Arabia Conducts Life-Saving Cardiac Surgeries in Kano

  • Security
    • The eliminated terrorists and their weapons

      OPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States

      Police Neutralise Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Crackdown

      Police Officer

      Police Raid Bandits’ Camps, Recover Arms, Arrest Suspects in Benue

      Flood

      Flood Alert: Heavy Rains Threaten 7 Nigerian States this Weekend August…

      NAF Eliminates Over 35 Terrorists at Assembly Point Near Cameroon Border

  • Features
    • CG Custom Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Zacch Adedeji

      Is Zacch Adedeji Building Bridges for Nigeria’s Revenue Future? By Yushau…

      Army soldiers security

      Mattress of Terror: Can Nigeria Ever Be Truly Secure? By Haroon…

      The Arrest of Ansaru Kingpins Mahmud Muhammad Usman aka Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri aka Mallam Mamuda

      Ribadu and the fall of Ansaru By Senator Iroegbu

      Fixing the Fault Lines in Nigeria’s Culture of Recognition, By Mukhtar…

      How Desperation Turns Nigerian Job Seekers Into Scam Targets By Tahir…

  • State
    • The eliminated terrorists and their weapons

      OPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States

      Police Neutralise Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Crackdown

      Police Officer

      Police Raid Bandits’ Camps, Recover Arms, Arrest Suspects in Benue

      Nigerian Navy Personnel

      Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Site in Bayelsa

      ACF

      Arewa Consultative Forum Engages Influencers to Amplify Northern Identity

  • Event
    • Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s…

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

      His Death is a National Loss, Tinubu Mourns Emir of Zuru

      Umar Lauya

      Umar Lauya Declares Candidacy for NYCN Presidency, Vows to Unite and…

      The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Sugar Department Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin (L), with the CEO of Legacy Sugar Company, Alh. Abubakar Isa Musa (R), during the signing ceremony.

      NSDC, New Operators Seal Landmark Development Agreements, to Produce 400,000MT of…

      Regional Vice President Western and Central Africa at the World Bank, Mr Ousmane Diagana pays a courtesy visit to Baze University

      World Bank Vice President visits Baze University, Commends Educational Standards, Assures…

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features Nigeria Customs and Showing Empathy for Stampede Victims
  • Features

Nigeria Customs and Showing Empathy for Stampede Victims

By
Abdulsalam Mahmud
-
May 4, 2024
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR
CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

Nigeria Customs and Showing Empathy for Stampede Victims

By Abdulsalam Mahmud

In Lagos State this year, something tragic happened. It was a stampede that claimed some lives. The event that led to the ugly incident was the distribution of rice bags by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to Lagos residents at a discounted price.

This came at a time the prevailing economic hardship had started taking its toll on Nigerians, manifesting in hunger across the land. Then, pockets of street protests over frustrating hunger and biting economy conditions were staged in Minna and Suleja towns in Niger State. Ditto in Kano State.

In the wake of the tragedy that terminated some citizens’ dreams, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the temporary suspension of the activity. He also commiserated with victims of the tragedy.

In a statement released by Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for the Customs Service, Adeniyi, (then) said: “The Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with Hospital Authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps. Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

“As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations. 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. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation’s food security”.

According to the Customs helmsman, their NCS, in February, announced the commencement of a noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving access to essential food items, through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies.

This followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said. Adeniyi added: “Consequently, a pilot exercise was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state.

“The exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise. As part of our process and control measures, we had Nigeria Police and military personnel to ensure crowd control.

“We also fully equipped a medical team on ground in anticipation of potential risks during an exercise of that magnitude. Their presence was part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

“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.

Read Also:

  • Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister Gambari
  • Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s Economic Future
  • OPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States

“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”.

It is heartwarming that the Customs has not abandoned victims of the disaster. This shows that the agency still regrets the traumatic stampede event, and perhaps, has already put in place necessary mechanisms to checkmate its recurrence.

Last Friday, the NCS reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024. Adeniyi sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos.

During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stating, “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy. “We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family,” he explained.

In response, Odulaja appreciated the Customs representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”

Without mincing words, the NCS delegation’s visit to the Odulaja family in Jibowu, was a profound demonstration of solidarity and support. To add, the heartfelt condolences extended by the NCS leadership to the grieving family underscored nothing, but its genuine concern and empathy for those affected by the tragic incident.

It is noteworthy that the Swomen-led delegation’s visit was not an isolated act of kindness. Rather, it is a continuation of the NCS’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance and comfort to the families of the stampede victims.

The NCS, by returning for a second time, has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to standing by the affected families, offering not only words of solace, but tangible support in their time of need.

Furthermore, Swomen’s pledge to collaborate with the Odulaja family and provide ongoing support reflects the NCS’s proactive approach to addressing the repercussions of the tragedy. By pledging its continued assistance and engagement, the Nigeria Customs hopes to ease the burden carried by the bereaved family, giving them a sense of solidarity and reassurance amidst their sorrow.

The reciprocal gratitude expressed by Michael Odulaja, the widower, is also significant. It highlights the tremendous value of the NCS’s outreach efforts. If anything, Odulaja’s heartfelt appreciation for the support extended by the NCS serves as a testament to the tangible difference such acts of kindness can make in the lives of those affected by tragedy.

Above all, the Nigeria Customs, by actively engaging with the affected families and collaborating with hospital officials, is demonstrating its proactive approach to addressing the aftermath of the tragedy, with a view to ensuring that those impacted receive the care and assistance they need. Otherwise, navigating through this challenging time will be an uphill task for them.

Mahmud is the Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, and wrote in via: [email protected].

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Abdullahi Maiwada
  • Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
  • Nigeria Customs Service
Previous articleMatawalle visits Shettima, calls for loyalty to President Tinubu
Next articleCDS meets CBN Governor, wants intervention to Enhance Military Operations 
Abdulsalam Mahmud
Abdulsalam Mahmud
Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Prof ibrahim gambari Chief of Staff

Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister Gambari

Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s Economic Future

The eliminated terrorists and their weapons

OPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States

Ibrahim Yahaya Dandakata of Arewa Economic Forum

Arewa Economic Forum Chairman Loses Mother

Flood

Flood Alert: Heavy Rains Threaten 7 Nigerian States this Weekend August 24-24

CG Custom Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Zacch Adedeji

Is Zacch Adedeji Building Bridges for Nigeria’s Revenue Future? By Yushau A. Shuaib

Army soldiers security

Mattress of Terror: Can Nigeria Ever Be Truly Secure? By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

Police Recover arms from Boko Haram in Borno

Man, 65, arrested for illegal arms deal in Anambra – Police

Delegations Arrive Abuja for Inaugural African Defence Chiefs Summit

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA

Troops Neutralise 7 Bandits, Recover Motorcycles in Katsina

CRUSHING BLOW: other Top Boko Haram commanders neutralized in Bita, Wigo

Rotimi Pedro, Karimah Bello, Stella Din Jacob, Sophia Essahmed

PHOTOS: Finally, President Tinubu Confirms Pedro as NTA DG, Announces Three Female Executive Directors

Recent Posts

  • Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister Gambari
  • Economic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s Economic Future
  • OPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe States
  • Police Neutralise Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Crackdown
  • Police Raid Bandits’ Camps, Recover Arms, Arrest Suspects in Benue
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister GambariEconomic Confidential to Host 3rd Public Lecture, Unveil Books on Nigeria’s Economic FutureOPHK Troops Neutralize Scores of Terrorists in Borno and Yobe StatesPolice Neutralise Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide CrackdownPolice Raid Bandits’ Camps, Recover Arms, Arrest Suspects in BenueArewa Economic Forum Chairman Loses MotherLuanda Summit: AUDA-NEPAD Taps AI, Green Bonds as it Launches Marketplace for Africa’s Infrastructure PushFlood Alert: Heavy Rains Threaten 7 Nigerian States this Weekend August 24-24NAF Eliminates Over 35 Terrorists at Assembly Point Near Cameroon BorderPolice Arrest 65-Year-Old Arms Trader, Suspected Chinese Illegal Miner in AnambraCustoms Consolidates Reforms as Reputation Campaign Wraps Up in Zone ‘D’Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Site in BayelsaIs Zacch Adedeji Building Bridges for Nigeria’s Revenue Future? By Yushau A. ShuaibMattress of Terror: Can Nigeria Ever Be Truly Secure? By Haroon Aremu AbiodunArewa Consultative Forum Engages Influencers to Amplify Northern Identity
X whatsapp