Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tola Adenubi
Published on 2024-02-26 19:25:07
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently made an announcement regarding the suspension of a food disposal initiative that began last Friday. This decision was made in response to a stampede that occurred during the event, resulting in fatalities and injuries to several individuals. The NCS stated that they would resume their food distribution efforts once an investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the stampede.
The NCS had initiated this food disposal initiative at the directive of the President to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items. The exercise took place at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Yaba, Lagos state, where seized edible goods condemned in court were to be distributed to the public. Despite meticulous planning and the presence of security personnel and medical teams, the event took a tragic turn when the crowd became desperate for the remaining food items and a stampede occurred.
The NCS expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the incident and assured them of their support. They also mentioned that they were working with hospital authorities to provide assistance to the victims’ families. Following the unfortunate event, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
As a service committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, the NCS emphasized the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all their operations. They announced the temporary suspension of the food disposal initiative until they could determine what went wrong and come up with a more robust and comprehensive plan for future distribution events. They thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as they worked towards addressing food security challenges in the country.
The NCS reiterated their commitment to assisting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and other individuals in need. They acknowledged the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants in their initiatives and pledged to improve their processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the NCS’s decision to suspend the food disposal initiative was a necessary step to address the tragic events that unfolded during the distribution exercise. By prioritizing the safety and welfare of Nigerians, the NCS demonstrated their dedication to serving the public and improving access to essential food items in the country. As they continue to investigate the stampede incident and plan for future distributions, they invite the support and cooperation of all Nigerians in their efforts to enhance food security nationwide.
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