APC member dies while jostling for ‘Customs rice’

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Comfort Adebanjo has died in a stampede at a rice distribution event organized by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The party confirmed the death along with six others.

The rice was made available to cushion the effects of the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

In an obituary message released on Saturday, the ruling party expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of Adebanjo and the other victims.

The incident occurred as citizens attempted to purchase rice that customs had seized and put up for sale to alleviate the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

The Nigeria Customs Service had earlier announced its decision to directly distribute seized food items to citizens in response to the widespread protests against the escalating cost of living.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, stated that the move aimed to address the critical challenges of food security and the rising cost of essential food items.

The tragic turn of events resulted in a stampede on Friday, leading to the untimely death of seven individuals.

The Coordinator and Secretary of FKL Ward E1, Lagos State of the APC, Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, and Comrade Adebari Adewale, respectively, confirmed Adebanjo as one of the deceased during the unfortunate incident.

In the obituary message, the APC expressed its heartfelt condolences to the family of Adebanjo and the residents of Ward E1.

The party acknowledged the pain caused by the loss and prayed for divine strength for the bereaved family and the affected community.

The party wrote: “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, 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.”