In response to the tragic stampede incident at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) office in Lagos, human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded that the NCS compensate the families of the seven individuals who lost their lives during the incident.
The stampede occurred during the sale of low-cost rice, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu to sell seized rice at a discounted price to alleviate the food crisis in the country.
Falana expressed sadness over the fact that the NCS had not yet identified and reached out to the families of the victims to offer condolences. He asserted that the NCS bears full responsibility for the incident, emphasizing that the overcrowding and ensuing stampede could have been anticipated given the high demand for affordable rice amidst soaring prices.
Given the circumstances, Falana called on the NCS to promptly identify the families of the deceased and provide them with adequate monetary compensation. He warned that if the NCS fails to act, legal action may be pursued to enforce the victims’ fundamental right to life as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Additionally, Falana urged the NCS to lift the suspension on the sale of the remaining bags of rice without delay. He suggested that distribution should be conducted through local government councils and development areas to prevent future stampedes and ensure orderly access to the affordable rice.
Falana’s demands underscore the need for accountability and compensation for the victims’ families, as well as measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It remains to be seen how the NCS will respond to these calls for action.
