APC member dies trying to buy Customs rice

The All Progressives Congress has confirmed the deaths of one of its members, Comfort Adebanjo, and six others who attempted to purchase seized rice put up for sale by the Nigeria Customs Service to help alleviate the country’s economic misery.

The ruling party confirmed the news on Saturday in an obituary statement sent to mourn the late party member and other Nigerians.

Chronicle NG reports that Nigerian Customs has decided to begin direct distribution of seized food products to Nigerians in response to the country’s rising cost of living.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the service’s National Public Relations Officer, confirmed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Maiwada stated that the action was in response to the country’s severe food security concerns as well as the rising cost of key food goods.

Seven people die trying to buy Customs rice

He also stated that the commodities must be verified to be fit for consumption before they can be supplied to Nigerians.

However, Chronicle NG reports that there was a stampede on Friday that claimed the lives of seven people.

Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, the APC’s Coordinator for FKL Ward E1 in Lagos State, and Comrade Adebari Adewale, the Secretary, verified that Adebanjo was one of the seven people killed in the stampede at the NCS‘ sells venue.

In the obituary released on Saturday, the party wrote, “It is with heavy hearts and regret that we announce the painful death of one of our members in FKL Ward E1, Mrs. Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo of house number 104, Ibidun Street by Akinhanmi Street, Ojuelegba.

“She was among the seven 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.”