Rights activist seeks compensation for 7 Nigerians killed in Lagos stampede

The Chairman of the Alliance for Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond, ASCAB, Mr. Femi Falana, yesterday warned the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to compensate the families of the seven Nigerians who died during the crisis. distribution of rice, under penalty of judicial review.

On February 23, 2023, the Nigerian Customs began distributing 25kg bags of rice to Nigerian citizens in the Lagos region, at its headquarters, Yaba, Lagos State. The event was marred by a tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people.

Reacting to the incident, Falana, in a statement, asked the NCS to lift the suspension of the distribution of the remaining bags of rice without further delay. He said: “It is sad to see that the Nigerian Customs officials have not found it appropriate to identify and commend the bereaved families.
In fact, the dead were blamed for their impatience. “Since it is common knowledge that the distribution of similar food items to the poor has recently been stamped, the Nigerian Customs Service must accept full responsibility for gross negligence which led to the death of the seven citizens.

Considering that a bag of rice is sold at 77,000 naira at this time, the Nigerian customs officials would think that the headquarters Their zonal in Yaba will not be able to hold the crowd called to buy a bag of rice at N10,000.

“Therefore, the Nigerian Customs Service should take immediate action to trace the bereaved families of the seven deceased citizens to pay them full compensation.

“However, if the authorities ignore our advice, we will not hesitate to approach the Federal High Court to uphold the fundamental right to life of each of the deceased in accordance with Article 33 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 4 of Africa. Law. Charter of Human and People’s Rights.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Customs should immediately issue a suspension of the distribution of the remaining bags of rice. To avoid further chaos, it should be distributed by local governments and local government development areas in Lagos state and other states of the federal government.

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