Customs Again Visits Bereaved Family Of Lagos Rice Sale Stampede Victim
THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has, again, visited the family of the late Susan Odulaja, who lost her life in the 23 February 2024 rice sale stampede in Lagos, making it the second time the Service would be reaching out to the bereaved since the unfortunate incident.
Leading a delegation from the Service, in a heartwarming gesture, to the family’s Jibowu residence, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator, Zone “A,” ACG Hammi Swomen, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family,
“We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being”, ACG Swomen stated.
In a press statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of Customs, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada said, “This visit marks the second time the NCS is reaching out to the family, to demonstrate the Service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy”.
“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, to support this family. This is our second visit, and it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family“, ACG Swomen explained.
The Zone “A” Customs Coordinator commiserated with the widower, Michael Odulaja, and pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.
He said, “The Service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously. When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the Service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do next”.
Responding, the late Susan’s husband, Michael, appreciated the Service’s delegation for the visit and support, saying “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it on the children”.
The National Spokesman of Customs recalled the promise made in a press statement, shortly after the unfortunate incident, in which the Service promised to follow-up with the families of the stampede victims.
The statement, then, partly read that: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step”.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
