Tension has gripped parts of Ogun and Lagos states following alarming rumours that a batch of rice in circulation is deadly and spiritually cursed. The story circulating widely on social media claims that a foreign female trader, whose two trucks of rice were allegedly stolen and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders, invoked the spirit of the Ogun deity to curse anyone who buys or consumes the rice. Some voice notes even claim that several people, including customs officers and a soldier in Badagry, have died after consuming the rice.
These rumours have caused widespread fear, with parents warning schools and food vendors not to sell rice to children, and communities in Ogun, Lagos, and even Ibadan expressing anxiety. The rice in question is reportedly imported from the Benin Republic, a staple food for many Nigerians, especially children and youths.
However, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), particularly the Seme Area Command, has categorically denied these allegations. In an official statement, the NCS described the rumours as false, misleading, and baseless, emphasizing that no such deadly rice exists in circulation and no deaths linked to rice consumption have occurred within their jurisdiction. The NCS reaffirmed that it follows strict standard operating procedures in handling and disposing of seized goods, ensuring transparency and due process
Community leaders in Ogun have also dismissed the stories as unfounded and urged the public not to spread fear or panic. Despite these reassurances, the rumours continue to spread, causing confusion and mistrust among residents.
This development raises several important questions:
What mechanisms are in place to verify and control the quality and safety of imported rice in Nigeria?
How can security agencies and community leaders better manage misinformation to prevent panic in the future?
What role do social media platforms play in the rapid spread of such rumours, and how can they be held accountable?
How can consumers be educated to distinguish between verified information and harmful rumours?
What impact might these rumours have on legitimate rice traders and the broader food supply chain?
As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for the public to rely on verified information from official sources and for authorities to intensify efforts to combat misinformation and ensure food safety.
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