- Residents of Ogun and Lagos states are panicked over rumours of poisoned rice in circulation
- Viral voice notes alleged that some Customs officers and civilians have died after consuming the “deadly rice”
- Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) debunked the rumours, urging the public to disregard fake news and avoid inciting fear
Tension is rising in parts of Ogun and Lagos States following widespread rumours about the circulation of allegedly poisoned rice.
The panic began after viral voice notes and WhatsApp messages claimed that two trucks of rice stolen from a neighbouring country had been smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders.
The rice, reportedly owned by a foreign female trader, was said to have been cursed by Ogun worshippers in Ghana after she invoked the deity in anger over the theft.
In these audio messages, individuals claimed that the curse would affect anyone who consumes the rice.
Some even alleged that several deaths, including those of customs officers and a soldier in Badagry, Lagos, had already occurred due to the consumption of the rice.
Another voice note circulated online claimed that over 70 people had died after eating it.
As fear continues to spread, residents in Ogun and Lagos are warning loved ones to avoid buying or eating rice.
In Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, a resident identified as Morayo said some parents went to schools to instruct food vendors not to sell rice to their children.
Despite efforts by some people to debunk the rumour, more voice notes have continued to surface, deepening public anxiety and confusion.
Nigeria Customs Service dismisses rumours of poisoned rice
However, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed the claims as false.
In a statement released by Isah Sulaiman on Wednesday, May 14, the NCS Seme Area Command's public relations officer, the service described the rumours as “entirely false, misleading, and not reflective of reality.”
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner, who then allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry,” the statement read.
The NCS stressed that it adheres to strict procedures and legal protocols in disposing of seized goods, adding that no rice-related deaths had been recorded within its operational areas.
The statement also condemned the spread of misinformation, accusing certain individuals of exploiting the situation under the guise of journalism to cause public panic and discredit security agencies.
The Customs Service urged the public to disregard the rumours and avoid spreading unverified information that could lead to unnecessary fear and distrust.
Meanwhile, the rumour has continued to spread beyond Ogun and Lagos, reaching areas like Abeokuta and Ibadan, raising concerns among rice consumers nationwide.
Customs and Immigration agencies to advance use of technology at Nigerian borders
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, revealed plans to roll out innovative technologies at the nation’s borders, focusing on improving trade flow and security.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that the initiative will enable faster passage for goods and passengers, improve trade efficiency, facilitate security and economic data.