The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dispelled rumours that some ‘cursed’ rice is k!lling consumers in Nigeria.
Residents of Ogun and Lagos states have been gripped by fear following the widely circulated rumour.
Voice messages shared across social media platforms claim that a foreign trader, whose two trucks of rice were reportedly stolen and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders, invoked the Ogun deity to curse anyone who consumes the stolen rice.
These messages allege that the rice owner engaged Ogun worshipers in Ghana to place curses on unsuspecting consumers.
Some voice notes further claim that individuals, including customs officers and a soldier in Badagry, have died after consuming the rice.
Another message suggests that over 70 people have died in recent days due to the consumption of the said rice.
The rumours have led to widespread concern, with parents in areas like Ipokia Local Government in Ogun State reportedly instructing school food vendors not to serve rice to their children.
Despite attempts by some individuals to debunk the rumours, more voice notes continue to emerge, reinforcing the alleged dangers.
In response to the growing panic, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has categorically denied the existence of any “deadly rice” in circulation.
In a statement released by the Seme Area Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the NCS described the narrative as entirely false and misleading.
The statement emphasised that the command adheres strictly to standard operating procedures for disposing of seized goods, ensuring transparency and due process.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner, who then allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry,” the statement read.
“The command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter.”
The NCS urged the public to disregard the unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or tarnish the image of security agencies working to safeguard the nation.
Despite the NCS’s clarification, the rumours have reportedly spread to other regions, including Abeokuta and Ibadan, causing confusion among rice consumers.
