Panic in Ogun and Lagos Over Alleged ‘Deadly Rice’ Circulation

Tension has spread across Ogun and Lagos states following allegations of deadly rice being circulated in the markets. Residents have been sending voice messages warning their loved ones to avoid buying or consuming rice due to claims that a foreign trader invoked a spiritual curse after her two trucks of rice were stolen and smuggled into Nigeria.

According to voice notes obtained by our correspondent, the stolen trucks of rice were smuggled into the country through the Idiroko and Seme borders. It was reported that the trader sought the assistance of Ogun worshippers in Ghana to place curses on anyone who purchases or consumes the stolen rice.

One voice note alleged that customs officers and a soldier died in Badagry, Lagos State, after consuming the rice. Another widely shared message on WhatsApp claimed that over 70 people had died in recent days due to the alleged consumption of the rice.

Imported rice from the Benin Republic is a common staple in Nigeria, particularly among children and young adults. However, warnings have caused concern, with many residents urging their loved ones to abstain from rice consumption. In Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, a resident, Morayo, reported that parents had visited schools to instruct food vendors not to sell rice to children.

While some individuals have attempted to dismiss the claims, additional voice notes have surfaced, reportedly confirming deaths linked to the rice, leaving many residents unsure of the situation.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos and Ogun states has refuted the claims, describing them as baseless. In a statement, Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer of the NCS Seme Area Command, declared that the narrative was false and misleading.

“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 Command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter,” the statement read.

The NCS emphasized that it strictly follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the disposal of seized goods, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal standards.

“It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism (a credible profession) are disinforming members of the public with baseless, fictitious, and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of upholding the social responsibility they are supposed to,” the statement added.

The NCS urged the public to disregard the rumors and avoid spreading unverified information that could incite fear or damage the reputation of security agencies.

Despite these reassurances, the rumors have spread to other parts of the country, including Abeokuta and Ibadan, causing anxiety among rice consumers.