In a somber obituary message released on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed the heartbreaking loss of one of its members, Comfort Adebanjo, and six other Nigerians who met their untimely demise during a stampede while attempting to purchase seized rice sold by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Customs Service had announced plans to initiate the direct distribution of seized food items, including rice, as a response to the public outcry against the escalating cost of living in the country. Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the Customs Service, disclosed this initiative on Tuesday, citing the critical challenges of food security and the soaring prices of essential food items.
However, the well-intentioned effort took a tragic turn on Friday, resulting in a stampede that claimed the lives of seven individuals. Among them was Comfort Adebanjo, a member of the APC and resident of FKL Ward E1 in Lagos State.
The Coordinator of FKL Ward E1, Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, and Secretary, Comrade Adebari Adewale, verified Adebanjo's tragic demise during the stampede. The APC, in the obituary released on Saturday, expressed deep sorrow, saying, "It is with heavy hearts and regret we announce the painful death of one of our members in FKL WARD E1, Mrs. Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo."
The party continued, revealing the circumstances of the tragedy: "She was among the 7 victims who died in the course of buying custom rice at Yaba. May God grant all the members of her family and all the residents of WARD E1 the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss."
The incident has brought attention to the safety concerns surrounding large-scale events, particularly those involving the distribution of essential goods to alleviate economic hardships. The Customs Service, in its statement, emphasized the need for rigorous quality checks to certify the seized items fit for consumption before distribution.
As the APC mourns the loss of a dedicated member, questions arise about the adequacy of safety measures and crowd control protocols during such public events. This tragic event highlights the delicate balance between addressing economic challenges and ensuring the safety of citizens in the pursuit of government initiatives.
