Deadly Rice Rumor Sparks Panic in Lagos and Ogun, Customs Debunks Claims

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Tension is rising in parts of Lagos and Ogun states following widespread rumors that allegedly "cursed" rice is in circulation, sparking fear among residents and rice consumers.

According to circulating voice notes on messaging platforms, a female foreign rice trader reportedly had two truckloads of rice stolen and smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders. The woman, said to be deeply aggrieved, allegedly contacted Ogun worshipers in Ghana who invoked spiritual curses on anyone who buys or consumes the stolen rice.

As the rumor gained traction, voice messages warned families to stop eating or purchasing rice, with alarming claims that over 70 people, including a soldier and some Customs officers in Badagry, Lagos State, had died after allegedly consuming the rice.

In response, fear spread rapidly across communities. In Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, residents took proactive steps. A woman identified as Morayo confirmed that some parents even visited schools to instruct food vendors not to serve rice to their children. Residents in other areas of Ogun, as well as Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan, also reported similar actions as panic escalated.

Amid the growing chaos, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in both Lagos and Ogun states issued strong rebuttals to the viral claims. The Seme Area Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, released an official statement declaring the allegations as entirely false and without any factual basis.

“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 reaffirmed its strict adherence to due process and legal protocols in the disposal of seized goods, stating, “No incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS.”

Furthermore, the NCS condemned the misinformation being peddled by what it described as “unscrupulous elements” spreading baseless narratives under the guise of journalism, and urged the public to disregard the rumor.

The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and national security, and appealed to citizens to avoid spreading fear and false information.

Despite the official denial, confusion and concern linger in affected communities, with some residents remaining skeptical and choosing to avoid rice altogether until clarity is fully restored.